Southern macaroni salad is a classic, flavorful dish that adds a comforting touch to any meal. This easy-to-make salad combines tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing for a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Unlike store-bought salads, this homemade version uses simple, fresh ingredients for an authentic Southern flavor. It’s quick to prepare and versatile, making it an ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings.
Serve it alongside your favorite mains for a delightful experience that everyone will love. This Southern macaroni salad is a convenient and tasty way to elevate your meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Southern Macaroni Salad: A Classic Side Dish!
Southern Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 3 Large hard-boiled eggs
- 1 3/4 cups Miracle Whip Mayonaisse, divided
- 1/2 Medium onion, peeled and diced
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 2 tsp Fresh ground black pepper
- 3 Stalks celery, diced
- 2 lbs Dried elbow macaroni
- 3 3/4 cups Mayonnaise, divided
Optional
- 1/4 tsp Paprika, for garnish
- 6 oz Water-packed tuna fish, drained
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta in a strainer and set aside.
- Meanwhile, dice the onion and celery, and chop the hard-boiled eggs.
- In the pasta pot, mix together ½ of the mayonnaise and ½ of the Miracle Whip.
- Add the tuna (if using), diced onion, celery, and chopped eggs. Stir well to combine.
- Add the drained pasta to the pot and mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Stir in the remaining mayonnaise and Miracle Whip, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed and sprinkle paprika when serving.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 618 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Calcium | 29 mg |
How Are Macaroni Salad And Pasta Salad Different?
Pasta salad and macaroni salad are similar, often sharing ingredients. The main difference is the dressing: macaroni salad uses mayonnaise, while pasta salad uses vinaigrette.
Why Is My Macaroni Salad So Runny?
Your macaroni salad may be watery due to two main reasons: not properly draining wet ingredients and adding too many watery vegetables.
Why Is My Macaroni Salad So Dry?
To achieve the perfect macaroni salad, it’s crucial to cook the pasta to the right doneness. Undercooked pasta won’t hold onto the dressing, resulting in a dry salad, while overcooked pasta will make it soggy.