Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Base
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, dry
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- ¾–1 cup cooked chicken breast (small cubes)
or tuna / boiled eggs
Creamy Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (adds protein & lightness)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp sugar or honey (optional, traditional flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Boil macaroni in well-salted water until just tender
- Drain and rinse under cold water
(prevents over-soft pasta)
2️⃣ Prep the Mix-Ins
- Chop celery very small (for crunch without overpowering)
- Dice cooked chicken into bite-size cubes
3️⃣ Make the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk:
- Mayo
- Greek yogurt
- Vinegar/lemon juice
- Mustard
- All seasonings
4️⃣ Combine
- Add cooled pasta, celery, and chicken to dressing
- Fold gently until fully coated and creamy
5️⃣ Chill
- Cover and refrigerate 30–60 minutes
- Stir once before serving
Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving – 1 cup)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 |
| Protein | 14–18 g |
| Carbs | ~26 g |
| Fat | ~14 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
Protein increases with chicken or egg addition.
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Variations & Swaps
Higher Protein
- Use all Greek yogurt + light mayo
- Add extra chicken or chickpeas
Extra Veggie Crunch
- Diced cucumber
- Red bell pepper
- Green onions
Flavor Boost
- Paprika or smoked paprika
- Pickle relish (1–2 tbsp)
- Splash of pickle juice
Healthier Version
- Whole wheat or lentil pasta
- Light mayo or olive-oil mayo
Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Best flavor after 4–24 hours in the fridge.
Q: How long does it last?
Up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make it without mayo?
Yes—use:
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- Greek yogurt + olive oil
- Or sour cream + yogurt mix
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Keeps texture well and stays creamy.
Q: Can I make it low-carb?
Use palmini pasta, chickpea pasta (lower net carbs), or cauliflower macaroni.
