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Lemon Macaroni Salad

Lemon Macaroni Salad

lemon macaroni salad

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 Macaroni Salad Recipe

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.

lemon macaroni salad

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 lemon macaroni salad

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

lemon macaroni salad

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.

ingredients in a bowl

In a separate bowl combine the mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Fold into the macaroni mixture.

sauce

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.

sauce, pasta and vegetable combined in a bowl

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.

See Also

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.

macaroni salad

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.

Lemony Macaroni Salad Recipe

lemon macaroni salad

Lemon Macaroni Salad

About a Mom
3 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 512 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Serving: 1gCalories: 512kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 11gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 729mgPotassium: 275mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 4209IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 1mg
Keyword lemon, macaroni salad, pasta salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Recipe originally published on July 7, 2014. It has been updated for images and content. However, the delicious recipe remains the same.

View Comments (39)
  • Looks great. I love your recipe, it would be a great dish to serve at my daughters baby shower next month

  • 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 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.

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