This summertime favorite salad is made with simple ingredients and dressed with a light creamy mayonnaise dressing.  Perfect for barbecues, family reunions and potlucks.  A versatile classic macaroni salad that can be customized to your family. I love how this Simple Macaroni Salad Recipe compliments any grilled or smoked main dish.  It’s the perfect side dish. The flavors are simple, not too strong but add just the right amount of flavor.

How to Make Simple Macaroni Salad

TIP: FOR BEST RESULTS, ADD ALL THE INGREDIENTS TO THE PASTA WHILE IT’S STILL HOT. THE HOT PASTA WILL ABSORB ALL THE FLAVORS. This creamy macaroni salad is a real crowd pleaser, simple side dish for a summer picnic, and the perfect compliment to grilled burgers. So at your next bbq make sure you add this simple side dish to your menu.

EASY PICNIC MACARONI SALAD INGREDIENT LIST-full recipe below in recipe card

• 1 (16 ounce) box salad macaroni, cooked according to package directions
• 1 (3.8 ounce) can sliced black olives
• 5 large eggs, boiled, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

OLD FASHIONED MACARONI SALAD INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add dry pasta and salt. Boil until tender (more on the al dente side), drain macaroni, add to a large bowl. 
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy dressing (mayonnaise, milk, salt and pepper), set aside.
3. While the macaroni is hot add the olives, hard boiled eggs, celery, and dressing.  Stir to combine. 
4. Cover and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What Pasta Work Best for the Perfect Summer Side Dish?

I like using salad pasta for my macaroni salad (ditalini pasta). Elbow pasta will work too. The only problem with using other pastas is they trap a lot more water in them then the salad pasta. Just make sure all the water has been drained before adding the salad dressing. More delicious recipes to serve along side your salad. SLOW COOKER ROOT BEER PULLED PORK, LOADED CHILI CHEESEBURGERS, SLOW ROASTED FRENCH DIP SANDWICH.

HOW TO CUSTOMIZE THIS EASY MACARONI SALAD RECIPE

The versatility of this salad is amazing. I customize the salad to what my family likes. The same can be done for your family. Below is a list of some addition ideas.

• red bell pepper or green bell peppers
• red onion
• green onions
• sweet pickle relish or sweet pickles
• dill pickle relish or dill pickles
• peas
• chunks of cheddar cheese
• sour cream (half sour cream and half mayonnaise)
• fresh herbs like dill or fresh parsley
• Dijon mustard

MORE DELICIOUS SALAD RECIPES

• CORN SALAD
• CHEESECAKE GRAPE SALAD
• RAMEN NOODLE SALAD
• FRESH BROCCOLI SALAD
• PICNIC POTATO SALAD
• CLASSIC COLESLAW SALAD