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.
I love macaroni salad for a summer side. This looks like a great recipe to try.
My favorite summer side dish is potato salad, but I like macaroni salad as well. I think adding lemon to macaroni salad is a nice twist, I can’t wait to try this. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
That looks amazing. There is nothing better in summertime than a great macaroni salad. I love lemon in my pasta salad!
YUM!!!! This sounds AMAZING!!
This sounds delicious, would like to try it for an upcoming picnic. Pinning it for now!
I have been wanting to attract birds to our yard to eat the bugs.
That salad sounds yummy!
my favorite side dish this summer has been couscous.
I’ve never yet found a pasta salad recipe that I love – will have to try this one for sure! Thanks!
This looks pretty good! Can’t wait to try it.
I need to try this, it looks so good.