16 Macaroni Salads That Belong at Every Cookout

While grilled meats and summer desserts get all the attention, no backyard barbecue or picnic would be complete without the sides. Macaroni salad is a favorite nationwide, providing a creamy, cooling contrast to spicy, charred and smoked dishes on the table. The added vegetables and overall flavor profile is totally versatile, as long as you stick to the core pasta and mayo-based dressing. Dressed up or dressed down, macaroni salad should be on constant rotation all summer long.

This is the quintessential macaroni salad recipe. Elbow macaroni tossed in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing with crunchy celery and minced red onion is a favorite at picnics and barbecues nationwide. A handful of chopped tomatoes is optional but adds a juicy contrast.

Tons of chopped fresh dill, basil and scallions give this basic macaroni salad a fresh twist. Diced red bell pepper and red onion are the veggies of choice, all tossed in a tangy mayo dressing. A dash of soy sauce adds a subtle hint of umami to each bite.

Turn macaroni salad into a complete meal with the addition of smoky grilled shrimp. The seafood adds protein and a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing. Serve this one for summer dinners when you want something a bit more substantial than the typical side dish.

Two picnic favorites come together in one irresistible dish. This recipe combines the rich, tangy flavors of deviled eggs with creamy macaroni salad for a side that’s surprisingly satisfying. It’s a natural choice for Easter, potlucks and backyard cookouts alike.

Many grocery stores stock barbecue-flavored rotisserie chicken, especially in the summer months. Use that to add protein to a simple macaroni salad that could use a boost of hearty protein. The rest of the recipe is simple and straightforward so the flavors of the chicken can come through.

Shredded rotisserie chicken is another option for adding protein to a macaroni salad. This version takes the dish in a Tex-Mex direction by adding corn, black beans and fresh cilantro. A hint of lime added to the dressing is a nice twist that introduces zesty tang.

There’s no reason to miss out on macaroni salad due to dietary restrictions. Swapping in vegan mayonnaise and sour cream gives you the option to make this dish to suit any crowd. Most dry pasta is vegan, but be sure to check the ingredients to make sure.

This comforting version sticks to the classic formula with plenty of creamy, tangy flavor. Depending on where you’re from, shredded cheddar may or may not be typical, but it does introduce a nice richness to the dish. Combine it with shredded carrots and chopped onion and celery before chilling and serving.

Fans of pimento cheese won’t be able to resist this creative twist. Sharp cheese, pimentos and a creamy dressing transform macaroni salad into something rich and comforting. This is a great choice to add to a picnic with a little Southern flair.

Creole mustard, pickled okra, and a few dashes of hot sauce bring some heat to the picnic table in this recipe. Pickled ingredients add both crunch and acidity to macaroni salad, plus the brine can be used in place of straight vinegar in the dressing. This recipe soaks the red onion in ice water for a few minutes, which is a great trick for cutting the sharpness in any dish.

Simple ingredients and classic flavors make this recipe a dependable crowd-pleaser. Tender pasta, crunchy vegetables and a creamy dressing. This version includes shredded carrot, which adds a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Southwestern-inspired ingredients give macaroni salad a fresh, vibrant personality. Black beans add protein, corn gives a touch of sweetness and salsa injects the dressing with a spicy kick. It’s a colorful addition to any summer buffet.

Fresh dill gives this salad a bright, herbaceous flavor while ham adds salty richness. The combination feels a little more substantial than classic macaroni salad. A handful of peas added in ensures every bite pops with verdant sweetness.

A homemade cashew dressing stands in for dairy-based ingredients to make a creamy salad that’s totally vegan. Fresh summer kale, corn and tomatoes pair with the ranch-style herby dressing. Even diners who aren’t vegan will be happy to dig into this one.

Smoky flavor helps this recipe stand out from the crowd. A dash of liquid smoke gives the dish an edge without fussing with a smoker. A shot of bourbon whisky mixed into the dressing introduces a fun kick that wakes up the rest of the ingredients.