Name: Creamy Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 cups elbow macaroni; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise; 1 can (5 ounce) evaporated milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 3 tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper; 3 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper; 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow bell pepper; 1/2 cup finely chopped celery; 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots

Jump to Recipe

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about a bowl of Creamy Macaroni Salad, isn’t there? With every scoop, you get a deliciously smooth, tangy bite bursting with flavor and dotted with colorful, crunchy veggies. Whether you’re preparing for a sunny backyard barbecue or looking for a quick meal prep win, this recipe serves up the kind of comfort food everyone loves. Did you know macaroni salads actually became popular in the U.S. during the early 20th century as a make-ahead picnic classic? One summer, my family dubbed this version “the ultimate barbecue buffer”—because it disappears as soon as it hits the table!

Creamy Macaroni Salad holds a special place in my recipe collection—and if you enjoy my Classic Tuna Pasta Salad, you’ll find this one is just as easy and even more deliciously versatile. With minimal prep, everyday ingredients, and a family-approved flavor, this is a must-try for your next get-together. So, let’s dive in and discover what makes this creamy side dish so special!

What is Creamy Macaroni Salad?

What’s in a name? In the case of Creamy Macaroni Salad, it’s about as straightforward as it gets! But don’t let the simple title fool you—it’s the creamy dressing that truly steals the show here. Why do folks love this dish so much? Is it the elbow macaroni, bathed in a rich, luscious sauce? Or perhaps it’s because, as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and this salad does just that for everyone! Maybe that’s why it’s a staple at every summer potluck and backyard picnic. Ready to whip up a batch and see why it has such a devoted fanbase? Dive in and find out for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This

First and foremost, it’s all about that creamy, dreamy texture—each bite is a perfect harmony of tender pasta and a rich, tangy dressing that clings to every curve. Not only is this dish a wallet-friendly option compared to store-bought sides, but you also get to skip the preservatives and pack in even more fresh flavor at home. The best part? The rainbow of crisp bell peppers, carrots, onions, and celery adds both crunch and a delightful pop of color, making it as fun to look at as it is to eat.

If you’ve ever tried my Zesty Ranch Pasta Salad, you’ll know what a difference homemade can make. This Creamy Macaroni Salad is even simpler and ideal for feeding a crowd on a budget. Curious to find out just how easy it is? Give it a try, and let your tastebuds discover their new favorite!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Few things beat the ease—and satisfaction—of putting together this Creamy Macaroni Salad. What makes it so appealing? It comes together in about 30 minutes, including prep and chill time. The process is simple: cook your pasta, whisk together a velvety dressing, toss in those colorful veggies, and you’re done! The flavor-packed creamy sauce, coupled with crunchy garden-fresh add-ins, guarantees a salad that’s both hearty and refreshing—making it a hit for any occasion.

Ingredients

To prepare this recipe, you’ll need:

3 cups elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped carrots

Step-by-Step

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool.
While the pasta is cooking, combine the salt, dry mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, ground white pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, evaporated milk, and sour cream until smooth. Add in the spice mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
Stir in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, celery, and carrots. Mix well to distribute the veggies evenly throughout the dressing.
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and gently fold everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Just before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Enjoy chilled as a perfect side or main dish!

What to Serve Creamy Macaroni Salad With

Creamy Macaroni Salad is an incredibly versatile side that pairs effortlessly with countless dishes. It’s a classic partner to grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or smoky barbecue ribs. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp garden salad or some simple grilled fish or shrimp. It also goes great with picnic staples like fried chicken, sandwiches, or even a fresh fruit platter. Thirsty? Cool things down with chilled lemonade or iced tea. No matter the occasion, this salad brings everything together!

Top Tips for Perfecting

For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, or use light mayo for fewer calories.
Chill the pasta thoroughly before mixing; this prevents the dressing from being absorbed too quickly, keeping your salad creamy.
Swap in your favorite crunchy vegetables—try peas or diced cucumber for extra freshness.
Add a dash of vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar for a touch of tang and sweetness to balance out the flavors.
Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to soften as it chills in the dressing.
Taste and adjust your seasonings before serving—a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference.
Don’t forget, experimenting is half the fun! Try adding diced ham or shredded cheese for a twist, or explore other recipes like my Creamy Ranch Potato Salad for more inspiration.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Give the macaroni salad a good stir before each serving—if it seems a little dry, add a spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture. Macaroni salad is not ideal for freezing, as the creamy dressing can separate and the veggies can lose their crispness when thawed. Serve straight from the fridge for best results—no reheating needed!

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better when made in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have evaporated milk?
You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half in a pinch, but evaporated milk adds extra richness and creaminess to the dressing.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Yes! Try adding diced ham, shredded chicken, or cooked shrimp for a heartier salad.

How do I keep the macaroni from getting mushy?
Be sure to cook your pasta just until al dente and rinse it quickly under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it’s not gluten-free, but you can easily swap the regular elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free variety.

Conclusion

Creamy Macaroni Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and deliciously satisfying. Packed with tender pasta, plenty of crunchy veggies, and a dreamy, tangy dressing, this salad delivers on taste and nostalgia alike. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, potluck, or simply craving a chilled, creamy side dish, this recipe has you covered. Don’t forget to check out my other easy pasta salads for more inspiration! Here’s to sharing a bowl of comfort, one creamy bite at a time. Give this recipe a try, and let the compliments roll in!