Mac Salad Recipe

Creamy, tangy, and perfectly chilled, this mac salad recipe is a classic side dish that everyone loves. It’s great for picnics, BBQs, or even weeknight dinners. The creamy dressing combined with crunchy veggies and tender pasta gives this dish the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s super easy to make ahead of time!

Let’s walk you through everything you need to know—from ingredients and equipment to detailed steps and pro tips—to make this your new favorite go-to side. This recipe makes enough to serve a crowd and stays delicious in the fridge overnight, making it ideal for parties or meal prep.

Plus, if you’re a fan of chilled dishes, this is a fun twist from your usual Mango Salad Recipe or leafy green salads.

I Made This Mac Salad—and Here’s What Happened!

So I tried this mac salad recipe for a family weekend BBQ, and honestly, it was a hit. I loved how simple the ingredients were, yet the flavors came out rich and perfectly balanced. The creamy dressing, the crunch of carrots and celery, and the subtle sharpness from the vinegar and shallots made each bite super satisfying.

It reminded me that chilled pasta dishes can be just as exciting as any hot meal. If you’re looking for something refreshing and hearty, this mac salad is the way to go. And let’s be real—it’s way more filling than your average mango salad recipe.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I’ve made this a few times now, and here are some personal tips that helped make the dish even more flavorful and easy to manage:

• Use full-fat mayo: It gives the salad a richer, creamier base.
• Let the dressing chill first: Even just 10–15 minutes helps the flavors meld together before mixing with the pasta.
• Rinse pasta with cold water: This stops the cooking and keeps the salad from turning mushy.
• Dice veggies finely: Smaller pieces blend better with the pasta and give a more consistent texture.
• Add pasta while it’s still slightly warm: It absorbs flavors better this way.

Fun & Tasty Variations to Try

If you love experimenting with salad recipes, you’ll enjoy trying different versions of this mac salad:

• Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan mayo and unsweetened almond milk.
• Sugar-Free Option: Skip the honey or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
• Add-ins for Flavor:
  • Chopped pickles or relish for a tangy twist.
  • Hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese for added creaminess.
  • Cooked bacon bits for a smoky, salty touch.

These changes give you new flavors every time you make it—while still sticking to the basics of a great mac salad.

Must-Have Tools for Making Mac Salad

You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to get started. Here’s what helped me out:

• Large pot – To boil the pasta until al dente.
• Colander – Drains the pasta and helps cool it quickly.
• Mixing bowl – Used for both the dressing and mixing the salad.
• Whisk – Blends the dressing smoothly without lumps.
• Grater – Perfect for finely grating the shallot.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures all your ingredients are accurate.

How to Serve Creamy Mac Salad the Delicious Way

Once you’ve made your mac salad, how you serve it makes a difference! This dish can look as good as it tastes with just a few simple presentation tricks.

Scoop the mac salad into a large serving bowl and smooth the top. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over for a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve it in individual mason jars for a fun, picnic-style vibe. For a fuller meal, pair it with grilled meats or as a cool side to a Turkey Salad Recipe.

Storing Your Mac Salad: Keep It Fresh!

Want to make it ahead or store leftovers? Here’s how to keep your mac salad tasting great:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and actually tastes better the next day after the flavors soak in.
• Freeze: Not ideal for freezing, as the mayo-based dressing can separate and turn grainy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
• Reheating: This dish is meant to be served cold, so no reheating needed! Just give it a good stir after taking it out of the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mac Salad

There are plenty of reasons this salad is always on my go-to list. Here’s why you should give it a try too:

• Quick and Easy
  You can prep the whole thing in less than 30 minutes. No cooking skills needed.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Dish
  It stores well and tastes better after chilling—ideal for planning ahead.
• Customizable for Any Diet
  From dairy-free to low-sugar, you can tweak ingredients to fit your needs.
• Great for Gatherings
  Makes a big batch and is always a crowd-pleaser at any party or potluck.
• Flavorful and Satisfying
  Creamy, tangy, crunchy—this salad has the best of everything.

More Handy Tips Before You Get Cooking

Here are some extra things I learned after making this dish that might help you too:

• Go easy on the vinegar if you’re not into tangy flavors. You can always add more later.
• Don’t skip the shallot—it adds a sweet, mild onion flavor that balances the mayo and vinegar.
• Fresh vegetables like carrots and celery give this salad the perfect crunch. Avoid frozen versions—they get soggy.
• Chill time matters: At least 1 hour in the fridge gives the pasta time to soak up all that creamy goodness.

Nancy

Mac Salad Recipe

Creamy, tangy, and perfectly chilled, this mac salad is a classic side dish that everyone loves. It's great for picnics, BBQs, or even weeknight dinners. The creamy dressing combined with crunchy veggies and tender pasta gives this dish the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Plus, it's super easy to make ahead of time.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 3

Course: Salad

Calories: 390

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb. elbow pasta – Go for classic elbow pasta for the best texture. Cook until just tender al dente.
• 1 cup celery diced – Use fresh celery for a satisfying crunch.
• 1 cup carrots diced – Adds color, sweetness, and a nice crisp bite.
• 2 cups mayonnaise – Full-fat mayo works best for a rich and creamy dressing.
• 1 tablespoon honey – Balances the tangy flavors with a hint of sweetness.
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar – Gives the salad its signature tang.
• 1 shallot grated – Adds mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
• 1/2 cup milk – Thins out the dressing to make it easier to coat the pasta evenly.
• 1/4 cup green onions chopped – For garnish and fresh flavor at the end.

Method

 

1. Start by preparing your creamy dressing. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, vinegar, grated shallot, and milk. Whisk until smooth and fully blended. Once combined, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld while you prep the rest.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Avoid overcooking, as soft pasta won’t hold up well in the salad. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
3. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour in the chilled dressing and stir until the pasta is well coated. Add in the diced carrots and celery, mixing them in evenly. The crunch from the veggies pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta and adds freshness.
4. Once everything is mixed together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the mac salad for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results. Right before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh pop of flavor and a little extra color.