Deli Macaroni Salad Recipe

Nothing screams potluck like this deli macaroni salad recipe! Perfect side dish for any meal, or a party food for your next gathering.

Original recipe: July 2019 | Updated: June 2022 and October 2024

Why This Recipe Works

There is no other season that has better food options than summer. A dozen different types of food come to mind when I think of summer potlucks and gatherings. A super easy macaroni salad is one of my all-time favorite recipes to make in the summer. Here are some reasons I love this recipe so much:

• The best part is that it stays fresh in the fridge so you can enjoy it the next day (and beyond).
• The best macaroni salad, in my opinion, is not loaded with mayo! 
• I love the built-in crunch. 
• This is my favorite macaroni salad of all time. It is the homemade version of the deli style creamy macaroni salad that we all know and love (minus some of the calories). 
• People always rave and request the recipe.

Recipe Ingredients for Deli-Style Macaroni Salad

Pasta – Elbow macaroni cooked to al dente is the perfect variety to use. Use regular-sized elbow macaroni or the large version is fun for a bigger bite! When we host guests on a gluten-free diet, we use a GF pasta such as chickpea pasta and it always works great!

Eggs – Hard-boil, cool and chop eggs up before adding them to this salad. Learn how to make perfect hard-boiled eggs!

Celery – Go big with the celery! It adds the perfect crunch to this salad.

Dill pickles and pickle juice – These ingredients are a must if you are a pickle lover! Substitutions: capers or extra celery, if pickles aren’t your thing. Replace the chopped pickles and pickle juice with a pickle relish for a touch of added flavor!

Onion – The red onion adds the perfect bite, but feel free to use yellow onions or white onions instead.

Mayonnaise – Replace all or a portion of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier recipe! Or consider replacing 1/2 cup of the mayo with sour cream for extra flavor.

Mustard – For a spicier salad, replace yellow mustard with dijon mustard and add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Apple cider vinegar – This variety of vinegar adds a delicious flavor, but feel free to replace with a different variety such as white vinegar or red wine vinegar.

Sugar – I love the touch of sweetness the sugar adds, but feel free to omit this ingredient altogether.

Seasonings – Salt, pepper and garlic powder create a simple yet mighty seasoning trio!  

How To Make Deli Macaroni Salad

Step 1

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water and allow to completely cool to room temperature. 

In a large bowl, combine the hard-boiled eggs, celery, dill pickles, red onion, mayo, pickle juice, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper and garlic powder.

Add the cooled, cooked elbow macaroni pasta.

Step 2

Give it a big stir, cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve!

Recipe Notes

• Let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving for the best flavor results.
• To reduce the calorie content of the dish, consider replacing 1/2 cup of mayo with Greek yogurt.
• Replace the mayo with miracle whip if desired.
• Do not let this dish sit out long. When not being eaten, cover it and return it to the fridge so it stays nice and fresh.
• The amount of dressing you use is up to you! Consider cutting back on the mayo to make it a less creamy salad.
• Let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving for the best flavor results.

Pasta Salad Add-Ins

Here are some of my favorite add-ins for pasta salads. I love the creativity!

• Consider adding 1/4 – 1/2 cup of chopped bell peppers. Green bell pepper, red bell pepper, orange or yellow all taste great!
• Green onions add a nice flavor to this dish.
• Chopped green olives or black olives add a salty, delicious touch to this yummy homemade macaroni salad.
• Add a fresh flavor by squirting lime juice or lemon juice into the salad with the rest of the ingredients.
• Consider adding cooked, shredded chicken to add protein to this great recipe.
• Consider adding a bit of heat by mixing in a pinch or two of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Any fresh herbs may be added to this dish, including fresh parsley or chives.
• Up to 1 teaspoon of celery salt or celery seed can be added for an added flavor boost.
• Salami, hot dog pieces, bacon or any type of cooked meat make a great addition.

Can Pasta Salad Be Frozen

When pasta salad contains mayo and sour cream, it is not ideal for freezing. Cream-based ingredients will not separate entirely after being removed from the freezer and may have an undesirable texture.

When made without these ingredients, it freezes well when stored in an airtight container for up to 4 months. 

How Much Pasta Salad Per Person

When served as a party food or side dish, assume that each person will eat between 1/2 and 3/4 cup total. Twelve people can easily eat one batch of a typical pasta salad recipe.

How Long Will Macaroni Salad Last in the Fridge

Pasta salad will stay fresh when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How Long Does Mustard Last

How long does mustard last? Read this post to learn more!

Best Pasta Salad Recipes

• This is my favorite pasta salad recipe made with Italian dressing. It is packed full of delicious bites (olives, salami, tomatoes and artichokes).
• If you are a pickle lover, dill pickle pasta salad is for you! It is creamy, flavorful and crunchy all in a single bite.
• Spruce up your party with an Asian pasta salad! Packed with an irresistible sweet and salty flavor and full of colorful, crunchy vegetables.
• Italian pasta salad is a delicious cold salad that can be made quickly, but that does not lack in flavor! It is packed with pasta, crisp veggies, fresh mozzarella, black olives and salami.

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