This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This simple, creamy macaroni salad is loaded with pasta, peas, and ham. It’s perfect for parties, family dinners, and potlucks!

There are a few salad recipes that I always make in the summertime, including this macaroni salad! We also love our other version – Chicken Macaroni Salad!

White bowl filled with macaroni salad.


Quick + Easy Pasta Salad

In search of a great pasta salad dish to bring to your next family dinner?

This macaroni salad is it! It’s also great for picnics, BBQs, showers, brunches, and all of the holidays, especially summer ones!

I like to make a big batch of this classic macaroni salad because it always serves a ton of people. It’s super yummy served on the side of other main dishes or it can be served by itself as a lunch or dinner dish.

Dry pasta ready to cook.

How to Make Macaroni Salad

This easy macaroni salad recipe comes together in minutes!

PASTA. Cook macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse.

In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, ham, and peas.

DRESSING. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, milk, and ranch dressing.

COMBINE. Add dressing to the pasta and mix until coated.

SEASON + SERVE. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in any additional desired mix-ins and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Hard boiled eggs with a few cut in half on cutting board.

Variations

I like to keep my macaroni salad recipe simple especially when I’m serving it for a large crowd. However, there are so many delicious mix-in ideas that you can use for your family.

You can even have the mix-ins on the side for people to add themselves. The mix-ins can spruce up the flavor as well as add texture and color.

  • Add diced celery, tomatoes, red bell peppers, black olives, or sliced radishes.
  • 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.
  • Season with garlic powder, fresh parsley, and paprika.
  • Add a dab of Dijon mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
  • Use tuna or chicken instead of ham.
  • Add a bit of crunch with chow mein noodles.
Macaroni, ham chunks, and peas in a yellow bowl ready for mixing.

Perfect Pasta tips

Not only is pasta the main ingredient in the recipe for macaroni salad it is what can make or break the recipe. Take note because macaroni salad breaks a couple of my pasta rules.  

Cooking pasta. This is one of the few pasta recipes that you DON’T want al dente (broken rule 1). If you don’t cook the macaroni long enough, then the sauce won’t stick very well. However, you also don’t want to overcook it. Check the package directions for the perfect middle time.

Rinse. Drain, rinse with cold water (broken rule 2), and then chill the macaroni noodles while you whip up the sauce. If you add sauce to warm pasta the sauce will melt right off. The pasta also needs to be somewhat dry for the sauce to stick to each piece of macaroni.

Chill. Once the salad is mixed, allow time for all the ingredients and flavors to marry while it chills in the fridge.

Making this for a crowd. I would plan for ½ cup which is about 5 ounces per person. 

Pasta shape. Anything that is bite-sized and has grooves that will cling deliciously to the dressing will work. Some ideas include: shell (small or medium), wagon wheel, bow tie, penne, and rotini.

Dressing in a white bowl ready for using.

storing info

This best macaroni salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks, but this means often leaving it out for a while and sometimes in warm temperatures. It’s not recommended for any food to be left out for longer than 2 hours at room temperature and less in the heat. Here are a couple of tips to help when serving: 

  • 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. 

Make it ahead of time. Easy macaroni salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, I like to make mine the day before and let all the flavors blend. If you do make this the day before, I suggest leaving a little dressing out so that you can freshen it up if it gets a little dry.

STORE. Leftover classic macaroni salad can be stored, covered, in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it gets dry, mix up a little bit more macaroni salad dressing and re-toss.

Complete Your Picnic

Add some of these other classic recipes to your upcoming picnic:

White bowl filled with macaroni salad and garnished with fresh herbs.

Recipe FAQ

How do I salt the pasta to make macaroni salad?

Salting the water beautifully seasons the pasta. Once the water is boiling, right before adding the macaroni, you’ll want to add 1½ tablespoons of salt per pound of pasta to the pot.

What mistakes should I avoid when making macaroni salad?

Some common mistakes when making macaroni salad include using pasta that is too big or too small, over or undercooking, not seasoning it enough, not rinsing the noodles with cold water, and storing it for too long causing it to dry out.

How do I keep the macaroni from absorbing too much mayonnaise?

This usually isn’t a problem when the salad is served soon after making it, but if you want to make it in advance you could toss the cooked macaroni in a bit of olive oil before adding the mayonnaise dressing.

For More Pasta Salad Recipes, Try:

4.98 from 106 votes

Macaroni Salad Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
This simple, creamy macaroni salad is loaded with pasta, peas, and ham. It's perfect for parties, family dinners, and potlucks!
Servings: 16
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 24 ounces (or 6 cups) elbow macaroni
  • cups cubed ham
  • 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen peas thawed
  • 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

Make ahead of time. Macaroni salad can be made 24 hours ahead of time. Mix most of the dressing in before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but reserve a little dressing to add right before serving, to freshen up the salad in case it is a little dry. 
Try a different pasta. Anything that is bite-sized and has grooves works well, such as shells, wagon wheels, bow ties, penne, or rotini.
Perfect for parties. We use this recipe for many get-togethers, like holidays and baby showers. It makes a lot, so be sure to halve it if you’re looking to serve closer to 8 people.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 353kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 18mg, Sodium: 349mg, Potassium: 127mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 42IU, Vitamin C: 0.03mg, Calcium: 31mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!


About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

Get my cookbook!

My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




44 Comments

  1. I’m going to be making the (American) Macaroni salad on your website. Would perhaps adding sour cream enhance the overall flavor ?? Just curious.

  2. 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!

  3. 5 stars
    Perfect macaroni salad. Used packaged diced ham so there was no chopping. Ideal for large gathering and potlucks. Thanks