This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure).
This easy and colorful macaroni salad looks and tastes amazing! This is the only macaroni salad recipe you’ll ever need!
What summer BBQ would be complete without a macaroni salad? This “best ever macaroni salad” is easy to make, and so delicious, you’ll be making it for every weekend cookout. I get requests to bring this to summer parties, and the bowl is always empty. I haven’t found anything that it doesn’t compliment – hamburgers, steaks, hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken, shrimp, lamb chops, and any and all types of sandwiches. Makes me hungry just thinking about it!
Don’t be daunted by the list of ingredients – this goes together quickly, and the end result is well worth it – it’s so pretty with all the different colored vegetables, and puts other macaroni salad to shame. And if you don’t have time to boil eggs, remember you can always pick them up in your local market, usually right near the fresh eggs – and they are already out of the shell, and ready to chop!
There are several “secret” ingredients that work together put this best ever macaroni salad “over the top.” Apple cider vinegar, mayo and sour cream combine into a rich, creamy dressing with just right amount of tang and “zing.” The sweet pickle relish adds a bit of sweetness. The pimento peppers also add a sweet tang, and depending on the variety you use, the faintest hint of “heat.” The chopped egg adds richness. The last “secret” ingredient is the olives. You can use green olives, or for a change of pace, and even more color, black olives. If you are making a double batch, try a small can of each! You’ll get two different olive flavors and colors. Or if you are not an olive fan, simply omit them – it’s totally completely up to you :)
Do you own an Instant Pot? Did you know that you can cook all kinds of pasta, including macaroni, in it? Cooking pasta is easy already, but even easier in the Instant Pot :) Check out my Instant Pot pasta recipe.
During the winter, when I’m making something like hamburgers, or hot dogs or simple pork chops or oven-fried chicken, I’ll make this and bring back wonderful memories of summer and fall cookouts. It’s also wonderful with anything with barbeque sauce like pulled pork or chicken legs baked in barbeque sauce. This truly is the best ever macaroni salad!
If you like this easy macaroni salad, you will also love these other easy recipes:
Best Ever Potato Salad – this potato salad is truly amazing, click to find out what the secret ingredient is!
Chicken Pasta Salad – this chicken pasta salad is a complete one-dish meal! So filling and yummy, a true crowd pleaser!
Easy Egg Salad – yummy yummy in my tummy! This egg salad recipe is so easy and truly the best ever!
Strawberry Lemonade – this homemade lemonade with fresh strawberries and freshly squeezed lemons is truly amazing! You need it in your life!
Corn and Cheese Salad– another epic addition to your picnic! This unique salad is so addictive, you just won’t be able to stop eating it!
Cook the macaroni according to package directions, until tender. Drain and rinse until cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, mayo, sour cream, chopped onion, pimentos, sweet pickle relish, bell pepper, chopped eggs and olives (if using). Add salt, pepper and sweet paprika to taste.
SharePin970Yum7Email977 Shares This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure). This Spicy Kani Salad is a delicious combination of flavors! Made with crunchy cucumber, sweet mango, delicious crab, and…
SharePin970Yum7Email977 Shares This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure). This is a very simple salad that can be put together in less then 5 minutes, especially if you…
SharePin970Yum7Email977 Shares This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure). This homemade Greek tzatziki cucumber yogurt sauce is amazing! So healthy, fresh, delicious and mouthwatering! I like tzatziki cucumber…
SharePin970Yum7Email977 Shares This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure). These shrimp avocado cucumber bites are amazing! This is a perfect keto appetizer that will be a hit at…
SharePin970Yum7Email977 Shares This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure). This healthy Kidney Bean Salad is super easy to toss together! You’ll love the combination of crunchy cucumbers, zesty…
SharePin970Yum7Email977 Shares This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure). A great salad that is quick, easy, and delicious is a must-have for everyone. Healthy and delicious, this colorful…
