12 Delicious Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad Recipes

Just when you thought macaroni salad couldn’t get any better, we’ve rounded up 12 delicious old-fashioned recipes that will take you back to the good old days. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, these timeless dishes are sure to delight. Whether you’re a fan of the classic version or eager to try a twist on the traditional, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dig in!

Classic Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Ultimate comfort food for picnics, this macaroni salad is creamy and tangy.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
• Mayonnaise – 1 cup
• White vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Sugar – 1 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Boil 4 quarts of water in a large pot over high heat.
2. Add 2 cups elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain the macaroni in a colander. Rinse under cold water until cool. Tip: Rinsing stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
5. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl. Stir until evenly coated. Tip: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Tip: For best flavor, serve chilled.

Macaroni salad should be creamy with a slight tang. Perfect alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish. Try adding diced celery or red onion for extra crunch.

Creamy Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Great for picnics or potlucks, this creamy old fashioned macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to mix up a classic that’s both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
• Mayonnaise – 1 cup
• White vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Sugar – 1 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp
• Celery – ½ cup, diced
• Onion – ¼ cup, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Tip: Rinsing stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Add the cooled macaroni, diced celery, and chopped onion to the bowl with the dressing.
6. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Tip: For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
7. Before serving, give the salad a final stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Tip: If the salad seems dry, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or vinegar to moisten.

Ultra-creamy with a slight tang, this macaroni salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats. Try serving it on a bed of lettuce for a colorful presentation.

Southern Style Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Get ready to whip up a classic side that’s a hit at any gathering. Southern Style Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
• Mayonnaise – 1 cup
• White vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Sugar – 1 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp
• Celery seed – ½ tsp
• Onion – ¼ cup, finely chopped
• Bell pepper – ¼ cup, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Tip: Rinsing stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and celery seed until smooth.
5. Add the cooled macaroni, onion, and bell pepper to the bowl with the dressing.
6. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Tip: For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
7. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Tip: Adding a splash more vinegar can brighten the flavors if needed.

Just like that, you’ve got a creamy, crunchy macaroni salad with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a standout dish at your next potluck.

Vintage Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Remember those summer picnics with a side of creamy, tangy macaroni salad? This vintage recipe brings back that classic flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
• Mayonnaise – 1 cup
• White vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Sugar – 1 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Tip: Salt the water like the sea for the best pasta flavor.
2. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook for 8 minutes, or until al dente. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Tip: Rinsing stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Perfectly creamy with a slight tang, this salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats. Try serving it in lettuce cups for a refreshing twist.

Homestyle Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Forget the store-bought versions; this macaroni salad brings back the simplicity of homemade. Perfect for picnics or as a side, it’s creamy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients

– Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
– Mayonnaise – 1 cup
– White vinegar – 2 tbsp
– Sugar – 1 tbsp
– Salt – 1 tsp
– Celery – ½ cup, diced
– Onion – ¼ cup, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water for 8 minutes, until al dente. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Drain macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Tip: This also removes excess starch for a better texture.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, and salt until smooth.
4. Add cooked macaroni, diced celery, and chopped onion to the bowl. Tip: For extra crunch, add the celery and onion just before serving.
5. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.

Packed with creamy dressing and crisp veggies, this salad is a textural delight. Serve it alongside grilled meats or scoop it onto lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Everyone loves a classic macaroni salad that brings back memories of family picnics and summer barbecues.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
• Mayonnaise – 1 cup
• White vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Sugar – 1 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Boil 4 quarts of water in a large pot. Add 1 tbsp salt.
2. Add 2 cups elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain the macaroni in a colander. Rinse under cold water until cool. Tip: Rinsing stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
5. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl. Stir until evenly coated. Tip: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Tip: For best flavor, serve chilled.

You’ll love the creamy texture and tangy sweetness of this macaroni salad. Try serving it alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish at your next gathering.

Picnic Perfect Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Nothing says summer like a classic macaroni salad. This version is creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
• Mayonnaise – 1 cup
• White vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Sugar – 1 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp
• Celery – ½ cup, diced
• Red onion – ¼ cup, diced

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8 minutes, or until al dente. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Tip: Adjust the vinegar for more tang if desired.
4. Add the cooled macaroni, diced celery, and red onion to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Tip: For best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

The salad is creamy with a slight crunch from the celery and onion. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish at your next outdoor gathering.

Tangy Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Remember those summer picnics with a side of creamy macaroni salad? This version brings a tangy twist to the classic.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
• Mayonnaise – ¾ cup
• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Dijon mustard – 1 tbsp
• Celery – ½ cup, diced
• Red onion – ¼ cup, finely chopped
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
5. Add the cooled macaroni, celery, and red onion to the bowl.
6. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss until everything is evenly coated.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

Expect a creamy texture with a perfect balance of tang and crunch. Serve chilled alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish for a light lunch.

Sweet and Spicy Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Let’s dive into a classic with a kick. This macaroni salad balances sweet and spicy for a crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
• Mayonnaise – ½ cup
• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Sugar – 1 tbsp
• Hot sauce – 1 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Boil 4 quarts of water in a large pot. Tip: Salt the water like the sea for flavor.
2. Add elbow macaroni to boiling water. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain macaroni in a colander. Rinse under cold water until cool. Tip: This stops the cooking process.
4. In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, hot sauce, and salt until smooth.
5. Add cooled macaroni to the bowl. Toss until evenly coated. Tip: Let it chill for 1 hour to meld flavors.

Delightfully creamy with a spicy finish, this salad shines at picnics. Try it alongside grilled meats for a contrast.

Healthy Twist Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

This Healthy Twist Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad brings a fresh take to your summer table. Toss out the heavy mayo for a lighter, zestier version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat elbow macaroni – 2 cups
• Plain Greek yogurt – 1 cup
• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Honey – 1 tbsp
• Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
• Celery – ½ cup, diced
• Red bell pepper – ½ cup, diced
• Red onion – ¼ cup, finely chopped
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Black pepper – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the whole wheat elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook for 8 minutes, or until al dente.
3. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Tip: Rinsing also removes excess starch, preventing the salad from becoming sticky.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
5. Add the cooled macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
6. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Tip: For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
7. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your preference. Tip: The flavors will meld and intensify as the salad chills, so go easy on the seasoning initially.

Fresh and crunchy with a creamy tang, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a standalone light lunch for a satisfying meal.

Cheesy Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Perfect for picnics or potlucks, this Cheesy Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad combines creamy textures with a sharp cheddar bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
• Mayonnaise – ½ cup
• Sharp cheddar cheese – 1 cup, shredded
• White vinegar – 1 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Black pepper – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. Boil 4 quarts of water in a large pot over high heat.
2. Add 2 cups elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Tip: Rinsing stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
4. In a large bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp white vinegar, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
5. Add the cooled macaroni and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir until evenly coated. Tip: For extra flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for 1 hour before serving.
6. Serve chilled. Tip: Garnish with additional shredded cheese or paprika for color.

Freshly made, the salad is creamy with a slight tang from the vinegar. The cheese adds a rich depth, making it a hearty side dish. Try serving it in lettuce cups for a crisp contrast.

Summer BBQ Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Everyone loves a classic macaroni salad at a summer BBQ. This version keeps it simple and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
• Mayonnaise – 1 cup
• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Sugar – 1 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Tip: Rinsing stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Tip: Adjust the vinegar for more tang if desired.
5. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Stir until evenly coated. Tip: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to enhance flavors.

Ultra-creamy with a slight tang, this macaroni salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats. Try serving it in a hollowed-out watermelon for a festive touch.

Conclusion

Macaroni salads are a timeless classic, and our roundup of 12 delicious recipes offers something for everyone. Whether you’re craving something creamy, tangy, or packed with veggies, these old-fashioned favorites are sure to delight. We’d love to hear which recipe you try—drop a comment with your favorite! Don’t forget to share the love by pinning this article on Pinterest for your fellow home cooks to enjoy.