Chicken Macaroni Salad: A Classic Crowd-Pleaser
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Macaroni Salad
Hi there, food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite side dishes: Chicken Macaroni Salad. Whether you’re looking for an easy but delicious dish to pitch to the potluck crowd or something light and tasty for a weeknight dinner., It’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, tangy, and chock full of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and cooked macaroni, filling and refreshing.
This salad was a staple growing up at holiday dinners and family barbecues — especially during summer. I love how versatile it is. You can make your own, add your favorite ingredients, change the sweetness, etc. Then, we’ll explore how you can make this beloved dish in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why this Chicken Macaroni Salad should be a go-to in your meal rotation:
- Classic Comfort: The creamy mayonnaise, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked macaroni are all mixed up for a comforting, delicious flavor.
- Customizable: Add more of your preferred mix-ins, such as sweet pickles, pineapple chunks, or raisins, for a spin on the traditional recipe.
- Great for Gatherings: This salad is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, potlucks, and parties. It is good to be made in advance and cold served.
- Quick and Easy: So simple, it comes together in a few minutes with only a few steps, making it a hit for busy weeknights, manageable crowds, or when you need to throw something together at the last minute.
Chicken Macaroni Salad: A Classic Crowd-Pleaser
Course: Salads, SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes10
minutes350
kcalCreamy chicken macaroni salad recipe with tender chicken and perfectly cooked macaroni, along with crisp vegetables in a zippy dressing. It is a very common yet crispy dish which is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or also for the regular meals with family. Or, add in your favorite add ins for additional flavor!
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
1/2 cup carrots, finely diced
1/4 cup celery, finely diced
1/4 cup sweet pickles, chopped
1/4 cup pineapple chunks (optional, for sweetness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
1/4 cup raisins, for sweetness (famous in Filipino versions)
Hard-boiled eggs, chopped for extra protein
Shredded cheese for added richness
Directions
- Cook the Macaroni
Elbow macaroni is cooked according to package instructions. Drain the asparagus and run it under cold water to cool it once it’s cooked. Set aside. - Prepare the Chicken
If you didn’t, shred your cooked chicken. The rotisserie chicken is a perfect base for this recipe because it’s flavorful and ready to go. Also, you can use leftover chicken if you have any left. - Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk or mix the mayonnaise, sour cream (if you’re using this), salt, and pepper. Add more (or less) of the seasonings to taste. This will be the base topping that you’ll smear on your salad. - Assemble the Salad
Add to the dressing when you’ve cooked the macaroni, shredded chicken, diced carrots, celery, sweet pickles, and pineapple chunks (if using). Mix everything until the ingredients are all mixed with the creamy mixture and tossed. - Chill and Serve
The salad also tastes best when it’s cooled in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving. The flavors come together well because of this. Serve cold, and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Notes
- The salad is even better after an hour or two in the refrigerator, once the flavors meld. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and drizzle with additional dressing if it appears dry before serving.
Types of Customizations for Chicken Macaroni Salad
This salad is so versatile and can be changed to taste according to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Filipino-Style Chicken Macaroni Salad: Add some pineapple chunks and raisins for a more sweet version of this salad in the Philippines.
- Healthier Version: To cut the fat without sacrificing creaminess, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Extra Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers or peas for more color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: If you fancy something a little hotter, there is a pinch of cayenne pepper to add or a diced jalapeño to chop up and stir in.
Health Benefits of Chicken Macaroni Salad
This Chicken Macaroni Salad isn’t just a tasty side dish; it also provides a variety of nutrients:
- Protein: It’s also not an entirely calorific dish — the chicken packs a fair amount of protein.
- Vitamins and Fiber: Things like carrots and celery, packed with vitamins and fiber, keep this salad poser slightly more nutritious than you might think.
- Customizable Ingredients: How you control the amount of mayonnaise, whether Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, or mayonnaise — all or none — is up to you.
Serving Suggestions and Storing Tips
The best way to serve this salad is cold, which would go nicely with almost any dish. Here are some serving and storing tips:
- Serve with Grilled Meats: There isn’t anything more balanced to serve with grilled chicken, pork, or fish than this salad.
- Make Ahead: Making this salad a day in advance is easy. It’s best to keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container if you have any. It will be kept for three days.
Conclusion
That’s my take on chicken macaroni salad! It’s creamy and tangy, with great flavorful ingredients for a refreshing dish. Whether the crowd is your family or a potluck, this salad will have people grabbing cheers for each other based on the tone of their spoonfuls.
I really cannot wait for you to give it a try! I’d love to hear how you customized your salad. Please feel free to post your creativity in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes much better after it goes into the fridge to chill. It makes a fabulous day ahead, and there’s no shame in popping it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I make this salad healthier?
Absolutely! Instead of some mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or a light or low-fat mayonnaise.
How long can I store this salad?
This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it goes in an airtight container.
What other proteins can I use?
And if you don’t have chicken, turkey, ham, or even shrimp, it will work for a tasty twist.
