Macaroni Salad with Pickles

No cookout, potluck or barbecue is complete without some kind of pasta salad. Our macaroni salad with pickles rightfully ranks among our best pasta salad recipes. It offers a delightfully crunchy texture and a nuanced flavor that may even convert those with an aversion to pickles. A creamy mayo-based dressing balances the tangy pickles, and cheddar cheese adds a savory, slightly nutty element. Meanwhile, hard-boiled eggs contribute a rich mouthfeel for a well-rounded finish.

You can choose from the many types of pickles to give the salad different dimensions. Classic bread and butter pickles provide a sweet and sour taste, while dill pickles are briny and impart an herby freshness. You could even opt for a wildcard like mustard pickles, which have an earthy and rather pungent taste to complement the recipe.

The best part is that the creamy salad comes together in just 20 minutes, so our classic macaroni salad recipe can be made ahead for picnics or any get-together. Simply chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients for Macaroni Salad with Pickles

• Elbow macaroni: You can use your favorite macaroni brand for this recipe, or swap in a short pasta shape like bowtie, wagon wheel, cavatappi and small shells.
• Salad dressing: This classic macaroni salad dressing is a creamy concoction made from mayonnaise, sweet pickle juice, salt and pepper.
• Cheddar cheese: Mild or medium cheddar provides a subtle flavor, while sharp cheddar offers a bolder taste with nutty, tangy and salty notes. Choose whichever one sounds best to you! Or, dive in to the world of lesser-known cheeses if you want to swap in something different.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Hard-boiled eggs add richness to this macaroni salad for picnics. The yolks bolster the mayo’s creamy consistency, and the egg whites add a springy texture.
• Sweet pickles: Sweet pickles provide a refreshing crunch and a tangy burst of acidity that balances the creamy dressing.

Directions

Step 1: Boil the pasta

Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water.

Editor’s Tip: After cooking pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down swiftly. This ensures the residual heat won’t melt the cheese or soften the pickles. Hot pasta also absorbs more liquid, so cooling prevents the pasta from absorbing too much dressing.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle juice, salt and pepper.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to use additional seasonings, like garlic powder, celery salt, paprika or crushed red pepper flakes (if you enjoy spice).

Step 3: Bring it all together

Add the cheese, eggs and pickles to the bowl and stir.

Finally, add the macaroni.

Toss gently to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until chilled, at least two hours.

Editor’s Tip: Toss the salad gently so the soft macaroni doesn’t break apart. A gentle touch also keeps the texture of the toppings intact, allowing them to shine separately.

Recipe Variations

• Make it a meal: Turn this macaroni salad into a satisfying meal by adding your choice of protein. Try grilled chicken, grocery store rotisserie chicken, diced ham or even canned tuna. The possibilities are endless.
• Enhance the dressing: Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to make it smoky and spicy. A splash of hot sauce or Dijon mustard can also heighten the taste.
• Add vegetables: Crunchy celery, juicy cherry tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers or grassy bell peppers add texture, flavor and color to this creamy macaroni salad with pickles.

How to Store Macaroni Salad with Pickles

Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to four days.

Can you make macaroni salad with pickles ahead of time?

You can absolutely make this classic macaroni salad recipe ahead of time. The recipe calls for chilling the salad for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld together, but you can easily make it the night before serving. If the flavors feel a bit flat the next day, mix in an extra spoonful of mayo to freshen up the salad.

Macaroni Salad with Pickle Tips

How do I keep the macaroni salad from becoming dry?

To prevent your macaroni salad from drying out, store it in an airtight container. Exposure to air can give the pasta a stiff, dry texture. Tossing the macaroni with olive oil before adding the dressing can also help keep the pasta fresh and moist.

What type of pickles works best in macaroni salad recipes?

Almost any type of pickle works in macaroni salad, so it really depends on the flavors you enjoy. Dill pickles contribute a tangy freshness, and sweet pickles complement the acidic brine to create a balanced flavor. You can even use spicy pickles for that extra kick, or mix several different kinds to keep your palate guessing!

How do you keep macaroni from sticking when making pasta salad?

To keep pasta from sticking together when cooking, use a large pot with plenty of water. Add a little cooking oil if desired (this also prevents boiling over).