Southern Macaroni Salad combines tender pasta, hard-boiled eggs, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing and satisfying side dish. It’s perfect for summer potlucks and gatherings.

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I know there are tons of macaroni salad recipes out there, but this Southern version is something special. It’s got a perfect balance of creamy mayonnaise, a little zip from the mustard and lemon juice, and all the delicious crunch from the veggies.

Why I love this recipe

The velvety mayo dressing coats every macaroni twist, creating a comforting mouthfeel.
It’s a nostalgic dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings.

If you want more salad recipes to try, our pasta salad is perfect and made with only 4 ingredients.

Ingredients

southern macaroni salad ingredient in glass bowls on countertop

uncooked macaroni
mayonnaise
mustard
lemon juice
hard boiled eggs
celery stalks
red onion
red bell pepper
parsley, for serving
seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika

Step by step

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to bring down to room temperature.
In a large bowl combine mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to mix.
Add cooled macaroni and chopped vegetables and egg to the bowl and stir to evenly coat with the mayonnaise mixture.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together and creates that perfect creamy texture.
When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.

southern macaroni salad ingredients in glass bowl

Tips for best results

Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be al dente, with a little bit of bite.
Rinse the pasta with cold water after draining to stop it from cooking further.
Let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to develop.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a little more tang from the lemon juice or a hint of sweetness from sugar.

Variations

Love a little spice? Add a diced jalapeno pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for a kick. Craving something smoky? Throw in some chopped cooked bacon for a salty, smoky twist.

You can mix in some diced pickles for extra tanginess, add shredded cheese for a richer flavor, or use different colored bell peppers for a vibrant look.

southern macaroni salad in bowl and platter

Serving suggestions

serve this macaroni salad alongside grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, fried chicken, or pulled pork.
pack it in a cute container and take it on your next outdoor adventure.

Storage

Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!