Macaroni and Cheese Salad
Macaroni and cheese salad combines two favorites: creamy comfort food and a refreshing salad. It’s a delicious take on classic macaroni salad but with a cheesy upgrade that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Made with tender elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, and tangy dill pickles, this dish is perfect as a side dish or on its own.
Why you will love this recipe
- Quick & Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps: boiling pasta, chopping pickles, shredding cheese – this recipe is ready in 20 minutes.
- Customizable: Toss in a variety of add-ins such as chunks of ham, bacon, or bits of hard-boiled eggs for variation.
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy dressing and the tangy brightness of dill pickles makes every bite perfect!
Ingredients you will need
Ingredient List
- Elbow macaroni or penne, rotini, ditalini, or gluten-free pasta
- Dill pickles or pickle relish
- Cheddar cheese or Monterrey jack, colby or dairy-free
- Mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt, Icelandic yogurt, regular yogurt, sour cream, or dairy-free
- Optional add-ins: Vegetables, herbs, proteins
How to make macaroni and cheese salad
Prepare the ingredients:
- Boil the macaroni according to the directions on the package, drain and rinse under cold water.
- Shred the cheese (I highly recommend shredding your own cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese for the best flavor).
STEP 1: Add the cooked macaroni, pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, yogurt and mayo to a large bowl.
STEP 2: Use a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients. Refrigerate until it’s time to serve and garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of color.
Tips for making the best macaroni salad
- Immediately rinse the macaroni under cold water. This will stop it from cooking and will prevent the cheese from melting.
- Cook the pasta al dente, as overcooking can make ti mushy.
- Choose the right pasta – use pasta with crevices which will hold onto the creamy dressing.
- Add a splash of pickle juice to the dressing for a kick.
Make-ahead tips
Macaroni salad is perfect for prepping in advance. Here are some tips to maintain its quality:
- Don’t overdress – Pasta absorbs dressing as it sites, so mix in a half to three quarters of the dressing and stir the remainder just before serving.
- Store in an airtight container – This will keep the salad fresh.
- Add-ins – Store add-ins such as veggies and herbs separately to keep them crispy.
Serving suggestions
Macaroni and cheese salad is a versatile dish that can shine on its own or as a side dish at a weekend barbecue, pot luck or a weeknight dinner. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
Side dish
Macaroni salads are the perfect addition to just about any main course. The creamy dressing, tender elbow macaroni, and tangy pickles balance and enhance the bold flavors of grilled meats, vegetables, and salads like this broccoli salad or simple three-ingredient salad.
Main course
This salad can easily be served as a main course with just a few simple additions such a protein, like diced chicken, turkey, ham or hard boiled eggs. You can also add any combination of bell peppers, red onions, or broccoli.
Variations
This salad is so simple to prepare and can be customized from spicy kicks to plant-based additions and low carb swaps. These variations will let you adapt the recipe for any occasion.
Add a spicy twist – Toss in a little heat with a dash of red chili flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
Vegetables – Toss in some colorful vegetables like bell peppers, sliced red onions, radishes, celery or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
Vegan – Use vegan cheese and vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free and vegan version of macaroni salad.
Low Carb swaps– Replace the wheat pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower florets for a low carb version.
How to store leftovers
To keep your macaroni and cheese salad tasting fresh, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It will last for up to 4 days. Before serving, stir the salad and freshen it up with a little mayonnaise or yogurt.
FAQs about macaroni salad
Sharp cheddar provides a rich, bold flavor which is perfect with bland pasta and zesty pickles. However, you can use a milder version if you prefer.
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang while being a healthier alternative to using just mayonnaise.
Yes, you can use sweet pickles for a sweeter salad. You can also use pickle relish.
Macaroni and Cheese Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni pasta rotini, penne, or ditalini will work too
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles sweet pickles or relish will work too
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
Instructions
- Cook 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and rinse well under cold water.
- While the pasta is cooking, shred 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and chop1/2 cup chopped dill pickles.
- Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Refrigerate until it's time to serve.
Notes
- Immediately rinse the macaroni under cold water. This will stop it from cooking and will prevent the cheese from melting.
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- The pasta should be al dente; overcooked pasta may become mushy.
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- Choose the right pasta – use pasta with crevices which wil hold onto the creamy dressing.
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- Add a splash of pickle juice to the dressing for a kick.
