Nothing says summertime like grilling out and this lemon macaroni salad. This macaroni salad recipe is extra-special thanks to a lemony sauce for a fresh summer taste. You should definitely give this lemon macaroni salad a recipe a try this summer!
Lemon gives food such a wonderful punch of flavor.
I am not at all a fan of macaroni pasta salad that tastes like vinegar which is in many of the classic recipes. I much prefer making mine with a creamy mayonnaise and lemon sauce.
How to Make Lemon Macaroni Salad
This easy recipe starts with a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, lemon, herbs and spices. Once the tangy sauce is prepared, dice some celery, carrots, onion, and parsley. Lastly, toss it all together with macaroni that has been cooked, cooled and drained.
Ingredients
For your convenience, ingredient measurements are available in the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this page.
macaroni
celery
carrots
red onion
fresh parsley
eggs
mayonnaise
milk
lemons
salt and pepper
paprika
cayenne pepper
Recipe Steps
Cook macaroni, according to package directions. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water so that it stops cooking. Set aside.
Mince the celery, carrots, red onion, and parsley, then toss stir into the drained and cooled macaroni. Stir in the chopped, boiled eggs.
In a separate bowl combine the mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Fold into the macaroni mixture.
Taste, and adjust seasonings as needed. Store covered, in the refrigerator. It tastes best after it has sat in the refrigerator for a bit, to let the flavors blend together.
Best Macaroni Salad Tips
Make sure to rinse the macaroni pasta after cooking. While I don’t recommend rinsing pasta for warm dishes, rinsing the noodles in cold water help stop the cooking process. You don’t want your macaroni mushy.
This macaroni pasta salad tastes best after it has been covered and refrigerated for several hours. This gives the flavors have a chance to meld and marry.
How to keep the pasta salad from drying out? If your macaroni salad seems dry when you are ready to serve. Simply stir in a little mayonnaise to rehydrate the pasta.
How to Store Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad can sit out for up to two hours at room temperature. Leftover pasta salad should be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
Want more summer side dish recipes?
Check out these recipes for Deviled Egg Potato Salad and Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
Lemon macaroni salad pairs well with my grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs.
Lemon Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb. macaroni
- 3 stalks celery minced
- 3 large carrots minced
- 1/2 red onion minced
- 1/3 cup parsley minced
- 4 eggs hard boiled and diced
- 1 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- juice of 2 lemons
- zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cook macaroni, according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water so that it stops cooking. Set aside.
- Mince the celery, carrots, red onion, and parsley, then toss stir into the drained and cooled macaroni. Stir in the chopped, boiled eggs.
- In a separate bowl combine the mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Fold into the macaroni mixture.
- Taste, and adjust seasonings as needed. Store covered, in the refrigerator. It tastes best after it has sat in the refrigerator for a bit, to let the flavors blend together.
Nutrition
Recipe originally published on July 7, 2014. It has been updated for images and content. However, the delicious recipe remains the same.
Looks great. I love your recipe, it would be a great dish to serve at my daughters baby shower next month
my husband loves macaroni salad! and after seeing it he insists on me making it! lol
I wouldnt have thought to mix these flavors but it sounds very tasty
That Lemony Macaroni Salad Looks Delicious; I was getting Hungry just Reading about it! I Like Lemon added to my Recipes in the Summer; It’s really the Only time I use Citrus in my Food! I am Not a Picky Eater at All but I Only Like Lemon in Savory Dishes, I don’t like Lemony Sweets! I know that sounds Strange & I’m Sure I am Probablly Alone on that one! This Lemony Macaroni Sure Beats the Traditional Pasta or Potato Salad! This is also a Very Good Vegan or Vegetarian Recipe! I haven’t been eating much Meat Lately, just Chicken or Fish Occasionally! With a High Protein Dish Like this it Fills you up Nicely! I will Definitely let you know how it turns out when I make it! Thanks again for the Recipe! Have a Good Day & God Bless! Jana Williams
This sounds like a great macaroni salad. Bird watching is such a great way to relax as well.
This sounds like an interesting macaroni salad. I think minced broccoli. cucumber, and/or snow peas would make nice additions.
I love different kinds of macaroni salads and really want to try this one. I just don’t buy any salads from the deli’s in the stores as they always taste sour. Thanks for the recipe.
I have never had it like this before but it does sound good. I will have to give this a try