3 ingredient macaroni salad with mayo
If you’re looking for the easiest side dish ever, this creamy 3 Ingredient Macaroni Salad is about to become your new go-to recipe. Made with simple pantry staples and classic Hellmann’s mayo, this old-fashioned macaroni salad is creamy, comforting, and perfect for everything from BBQs to quick lunches.
You may also like this served along side some Air Fryer Ribs for an easy meal!
What I love most about this recipe is how unbelievably simple it is. No complicated ingredients. No extra chopping. Just creamy, delicious macaroni salad ready in minutes.
This is one of those classic recipes that reminds me of summer cookouts, potlucks, and easy family dinners. It pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, sandwiches, and so much more.
Whether you need a last-minute side dish or a budget-friendly recipe everyone will love, this creamy macaroni salad always hits the spot.
You can serve this warm or cold, both are very good. It also is served best the day of. However, if you seal it in an air tight container in the fridge it serves well the next day too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 simple ingredients
- Super creamy and delicious
- Budget-friendly recipe
- Perfect for BBQs and potlucks
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Family-friendly side dish
- Easy to customize
WHAT IS MACARONI SALAD
It is pre-cooked elbow macaroni that is mixed with whatever ingredients you would like and is typically chilled in the fridge prior to serving.
Macaroni salad is a great easy and inexpensive dish to prepare and bring or serve to a large group of people.
What goes good in a Macaroni Salad
- Vegetables diced
- Tomatoes diced
- Meat diced
- And your favorite vinaigrette or salad dressing
HOW TO MAKE 3 ingredient Macaroni Salad
MAYO is the binder
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Stir before serving since the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make macaroni salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. It actually tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours.
What mayo works best?
Hellmann’s mayo gives this recipe the classic creamy flavor most people love.
Can I add protein?
Yes! Tuna, diced ham, bacon, or shredded chicken all work great.
- Elbow Macaroni
- Eggs
- Cheddar Cheese
SPICE it up by adding
Dijon mustard
Paprika
Cayenne pepper
HOW TO MAKE MACARONI SALAD
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil
- Add in some cooking oil then stir in the dry macaroni
- Cook till al dente
- Strain and set aside
- Keep the remaining hot water and boil 4 eggs till hard
- Place in an ice bath for 1 min, crack and remove the shells
- Dice the eggs and allow to cool down for 10 mins
- Add the cooled down macaroni to a big bowl, shredded cheese, eggs and mayo
- Toss to coat and season according to taste
- Cool in the fridge for at least one hour before serving! Or serve warm depending on your taste preference.
Don’t be afraid to spice this up also! You can add paprika or even cayenne pepper.
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3 ingredient macaroni salad with mayo
Best served the same day!
Ingredients
- 350 grams elbow macaroni
- 4 Eggs
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil
- Add in some cooking oil then stir in the dry macaroni
- Cook till al dente
- Strain and set aside
- Keep the remaining hot water and boil 4 eggs till hard
- Place in an ice bath for 1 min, crack and remove the shells
- Dice the eggs and allow to cool down for 10 mins
- Add the cooled down macaroni to a big bowl, cheese, eggs and mayo
- Toss to coat and season according to taste
- Cool in the fridge for at least one hour before serving!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 586Total Fat: 47gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 37gCholesterol: 209mgSodium: 522mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 12g
These calculations are based off Nutritionix