The Best Creamy & Healthy Classic Macaroni Salad: Your Summer Essential Recipe

Get ready to rediscover a cherished childhood favorite with our recipe for the ultimate Classic Macaroni Salad! This isn’t just any macaroni salad; it’s a nostalgic journey back to those warm summer days, family picnics, and backyard barbecues, but with a delightful and healthier twist. We’ve taken the beloved creamy texture and savory flavors you remember and enhanced them by incorporating low-fat Greek yogurt into the dressing, making it a guilt-free pleasure that still delivers on taste. Layered with vibrant, colorful vegetables, this classic side dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will satisfy everyone at your table. Let’s dive in and create some delicious memories!

The Secret to a Healthier, Creamy Dressing: Greek Yogurt

The heart of any great macaroni salad lies in its dressing, and ours strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and health. We’ve expertly lightened up the traditional creamy dressing by using a 50/50 blend of classic Best Foods Mayonnaise and low-fat Greek yogurt. This combination is truly a game-changer!

The Best Foods Mayo is essential for delivering that signature, rich, and utterly delicious flavor that makes macaroni salad so irresistible. It provides the nostalgic taste profile that instantly transports you back to simpler times. However, the addition of low-fat Greek yogurt isn’t just a healthy swap; it’s a culinary enhancement. Greek yogurt contributes a wonderful tanginess that brightens the entire salad, along with a creamy texture and a boost of protein, all while significantly reducing the overall calorie count and fat content.

If you’re not concerned about keeping the recipe on the healthier side, you are absolutely welcome to use all Best Foods Mayonnaise for an even richer, more decadent dressing. However, we encourage you to try the Greek yogurt version first – you might be surprised at how much you love the added depth and lighter feel! We always recommend Best Foods Mayonnaise because, in our experience, it truly offers the best flavor profile, providing a consistent and superior base for this classic dish.

Essential Ingredients for Your Macaroni Salad

Perfectly Cooked Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a non-negotiable ingredient in a classic macaroni salad, adding a fantastic texture and a subtle, savory richness. My absolute favorite new method for perfectly cooking hard-boiled eggs every single time is using an Instant Pot! It makes the process incredibly easy and results in eggs that are consistently cooked and wonderfully easy to peel. For a detailed guide on how to achieve this, check out this fantastic recipe: Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs.

The Macaroni: Foundation of the Salad

The type of pasta you choose matters. Elbow macaroni is traditional for a reason – its small, curved shape perfectly cradles the creamy dressing and mixes beautifully with the diced vegetables. Ensure you cook it al dente (to the tooth) according to package directions. Overcooked, mushy pasta is the enemy of a good macaroni salad. After cooking, a thorough rinse with cold water is crucial to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from sticking together, ensuring a lovely, distinct texture in the final dish.

Vibrant & Crunchy Vegetables

What makes this salad truly shine are the fresh, crisp vegetables that add both flavor and visual appeal:

• Diced Red Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and a beautiful pop of color.
• Matchstick Carrots: Contributes a subtle sweetness and a satisfying chew.
• Diced Celery: Essential for that classic refreshing crunch and earthy flavor.
• Diced Red Onion: Provides a sharp, pungent bite that balances the richness of the dressing. For a milder flavor, you can soak the diced red onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it.
• Fresh Parsley: A garnish that offers a fresh, herbaceous note, tying all the flavors together.

Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

Serves 8-10

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup Best Foods Mayo
• 1 Cup low fat Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine or rice vinegar (adds a subtle tang)
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)
• 2 teaspoons honey (balances the tang and mustard)
• 1 teaspoon salt (enhances all flavors)
• 1 teaspoon pepper (for a hint of spice)
• 1 tablespoon Onera seasoning (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend)
• 4-5 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped (Instant Pot Method Recommended!)
• 1 diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup matchstick carrots (can also finely dice whole carrots)
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely diced (for freshness and garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This typically takes 7-9 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as mushy pasta will negatively impact the salad’s texture.
2. Rinse and Cool: Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly in a colander. Immediately rinse the macaroni with cold water, tossing it gently, until it is completely cooled. This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together. Set aside to drain any excess water.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Best Foods mayonnaise, low-fat Greek yogurt, white wine or rice vinegar, dijon mustard, and honey. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Onera seasoning (or your preferred all-purpose seasoning). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – this is your chance to make it perfect!
4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni. Gently fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced red bell pepper, matchstick carrots, diced celery, and diced red onion.
5. Dress and Toss: Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Add the fresh, diced parsley. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure the dressing is distributed throughout the salad.
6. Chill for Flavors to Meld: For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 2-3 hours. Ideally, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to fully meld and deepen, resulting in a much more delicious salad.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Give the salad a final stir before serving. If it seems a bit dry after chilling, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or a little extra mayo/yogurt to loosen it up. Serve chilled as a delightful side dish.

Tips for the Perfect Macaroni Salad Every Time

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key! Soft, mushy pasta will lead to a gloppy salad.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinsing with cold water immediately after draining stops the cooking process and washes away excess starch, preventing the pasta from clumping.
• Chill Time is Essential: While tempting to eat right away, the flavors in macaroni salad need time to develop and meld. A minimum of 2-3 hours, or even better, overnight, makes a huge difference.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dressing before adding it to the pasta, and then taste the finished salad before serving. You might need a pinch more salt, pepper, or a dash of vinegar to brighten the flavors.
• Make Ahead: This salad is fantastic for making ahead, making it perfect for parties and potlucks. Just remember that the pasta might absorb some of the dressing over time, so you might need to stir in an extra tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt or mayo just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions to Customize Your Salad

While this classic recipe is perfect as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking:

• Add More Veggies: Frozen peas (thawed), chopped sweet pickles or dill pickles, corn, cherry tomatoes, or even finely chopped bell peppers of different colors can be wonderful additions.
• Boost the Protein: For a heartier main dish, consider adding cooked, shredded chicken, diced ham, or flaked tuna to the salad.
• Different Herbs: Instead of or in addition to parsley, try fresh dill, chives, or a hint of tarragon for different flavor profiles.
• A Touch of Sweetness: For those who prefer a slightly sweeter macaroni salad, you can increase the amount of honey or add a touch of sweet relish.
• Spice It Up: A dash of paprika, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a small amount of finely minced jalapeño can add a welcome kick.
• Vinegar Options: While white wine or rice vinegar works great, apple cider vinegar can also be used for a slightly different tang.

Serving Suggestions

This Healthy Classic Macaroni Salad is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic accompaniment to almost any summer meal. It’s truly at home at:

• Backyard BBQs: The perfect companion to grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or ribs.
• Picnics: A sturdy and refreshing side dish that travels well.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: Always a popular choice that disappears quickly.
• Light Lunches: Enjoy it on its own or alongside a simple sandwich.

Storing Your Macaroni Salad

Store any leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its best quality for up to 3 days. While it’s still safe to eat after this, the texture might soften slightly. If it appears a bit dry after a day or two, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of extra Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, or even a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.

This recipe truly stands out for its ability to deliver that authentic, comforting taste of classic macaroni salad while offering a healthier alternative thanks to the Greek yogurt. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory, with a wonderful mix of textures from the tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and hearty eggs. It’s easy to make, even easier to love, and guaranteed to become a staple in your summer recipe rotation.

Ready to make this deliciousness? Print this Classic Macaroni Salad recipe here: