This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Creamy comfort meets party-ready appeal with this macaroni salad, packed with pasta, peas, and ham – a potluck winner in minutes!
Quick + Easy Pasta Salad
In search of a grea pasta salad to bring to your next family dinner, picnic, BBQ, shower or brunch?
We have lots of pasta salad recipes on the site, but we have a few that have become our go-to’s for such events, and it includes today’s recipe for classic Macaroni Salad (and our classic Pasta Salad).
This particular recipe has been made my whole life and is one our mom has made for holidays, summer get togethers and more. We especially love that this one is so simple, quick and tasty. When we are looking to make it a little more hearty, our Chicken Macaroni Salad is great too!
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- Quick & easy crowd-pleaser. This champion of simplicity comes together in minutes, making it a perfect BBQ side dish for potlucks or a quick weeknight dinner idea.
- Endless customization. Tailor this easy side dish to dietary needs, add your favorite protein like shredded chicken or tuna, or experiment with different spices, herbs, and veggies for a personalized flavor profile.
- Budget-friendly. Macaroni salad is kind on your wallet. You can easily stretch it further by incorporating leftover cooked chicken or other protein.
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 10 minutes
- 24 ounces (or 6 cups) elbow macaroni – Anything that is bite-sized and has grooves works well, such as shells, wagon wheels, bow ties, penne, or rotini.
- 1 ½ cups cubed ham – or tuna or diced chicken
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen peas thawed – you can also use diced celery, tomatoes, red bell peppers, black olives, or sliced radishes. Don’t add too many extras otherwise, there won’t be enough sauce to cover it all.
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- salt and black pepper to taste – you can also season with garlic powder, fresh parsley, and paprika
- paprika to taste
How to Make Macaroni Salad
- COMBINE. Cook 24 ounces of macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, 1½ cups ham, and 12-ounce bag frozen peas.
- DRESSING. In a separate bowl, mix the 1½ cups mayonnaise, 1 cup milk, and ½ cup ranch dressing.
- Add dressing to the pasta and mix until coated.
- SEASON. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Stir in any additional desired mix-ins and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Extra Flavor
Salting the water beautifully seasons the pasta. Once the water is boiling, right before adding the macaroni, you’ll want to add 1 tablespoon of salt per pound of pasta to the pot.
Complete the Meal
- Main dish: Chicken Salad, Pulled Pork Recipe, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Kalua Pork Recipe
- Desserts: Homemade Brownies, Fruit Pizza Cookies, Fruit Salad Recipe, How to Cut a Watermelon
- More pasta salad: Pasta Salad Recipe, Chicken Macaroni Salad, Layered Pasta Salad, Greek Pasta Salad
More collections: Pasta Salad Recipes, BBQ Side Dishes, Summer Side Dishes, Easy Side Dishes
Macaroni Salad
Equipment
- colander
- wooden spoons
Ingredients
- 24 ounces (or 6 cups) elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups cubed ham
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen peas, thawed
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- salt and black pepper to taste
- paprika to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, ham, and peas.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, milk, and ranch dressing.
- Add dressing to the pasta and mix until coated.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in any additional desired mix-ins and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Keep Macaroni Salad Cool Outdoors?
- It’s not recommended for any food to be left out for longer than 2 hours at room temperature and less in the heat. This is especially true for mayo-based dishes.
- Only set out a little at a time and leave the rest in a cooler with ice.
- Set the bowl of macaroni salad inside a large bowl with ice in it.
Add Flavor and Texture?
- Add some of your favorites to change up the salad a little. However, don’t add too many extras otherwise, there won’t be enough sauce to cover it all.
- Use sweet pickles or even sweet pickle relish.
- Add chopped red onion or scallions.
- Add in a diced boiled egg or two.
- Add cheese chunks: cheddar cheese or Colby jack is yummy.
- Add a dab of Dijon mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Add a bit of crunch with chow mein noodles.
Make Ahead of Time?
- Macaroni salad can be made 24 hours ahead of time. Mix most of the dressing in before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reserve a little dressing to add right before serving, to freshen up the salad in case it is a little dry.
How to Store Leftover Macaroni Salad?
- Leftover classic macaroni salad can be stored covered, in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it gets dry, mix up a little more macaroni salad dressing and re-toss.
Can I use canned peas instead of frozen peas?
I would recommend frozen. But if you use canned, make sure to drain them.
I used corn it was good the kids loved it ♡
Love this recipe for Macaroni Salad! Perfect.
I’m going to be making the (American) Macaroni salad on your website. Would perhaps adding sour cream enhance the overall flavor ?? Just curious.
We love the macaroni salad as is, but you can certainly try it!
Mine turned out really good! Will definitely make again.
I’d like to suggest Kielbasa as a substitute for cubed ham. It adds a smoky spicy kick and is VERY tasty. It’s precooked and ready to go, just cut into medallions and quarter. Even the turkey version is delicious!
Perfect macaroni salad. Used packaged diced ham so there was no chopping. Ideal for large gathering and potlucks. Thanks
Easy, tasty, and just a great side salad or main dish for lunch or brunch!
A lot of macaroni! Not much flavor. Would not make again!
Thanks for the feedback and for giving the recipe a try.