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Cold Chicken Macaroni Salad

1/6/23

Chicken macaroni salad is the perfect pasta salad. A creamy dressing coats tender pasta, veggies, and shredded chicken. Make this cold chicken macaroni salad for picnics, cookouts, or any gathering!

A white and red casserole dish is filled with a creamy chicken macaroni salad packed with chicken, pasta, and fresh veggies.

Hey friends! I have the most amazing cold macaroni salad recipe for you to try! I’m going to show you how I make my infamous cold chicken macaroni salad. This pasta salad recipe is super easy to whip together and extremely budget-friendly.

A creamy chicken macaroni salad is perfect for almost any get-together. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to make this pasta salad. Summer BBQs, potlucks, or holidays are a great excuse to make a cold pasta salad—who doesn’t love a creamy macaroni salad? Y’all know I have many pasta salad recipes, like my deviled egg macaroni salad, a spiced-up Texas caviar salad, and even a classic Southern pasta salad, to name a few!

One thing I love about this chicken macaroni salad recipe is how customizable it is. If you don’t love one of the ingredients I use, you can sub it out for something you DO like. Everyone has a different recipe for chicken macaroni salad, so I encourage you to do YOU, boo boo. Let’s jump on into how to make the best chicken macaroni salad recipe.

Cold Chicken Macaroni Salad Ingredients

You can break this cold salad recipe into three main parts: the cream mayo-based dressing, the add-ins, and the pasta. Once you put them all together, it’s magic, baby! As always, I highly recommend you follow the recipe for the best results. Check out the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredient measurements. Here are the ingredients I use!

Creamy dressing ingredients:

  • Mayonnaise: I use Best Foods, aka Hellman’s mayo, as the base for my salad dressing, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
  • Dijon mustard: I use regular Dijon, not spicy. Feel free to use regular yellow mustard if you aren’t a fan of Dijon.
  • Sweet pickle relish and dill relish: I love the sweet and tangy kick of using both sweet and dill relish.
  • Seasonings: I use the good ole’ reliable Mrs. Dash seasoning. It’s lemony and peppery, and salt-free. (Of course, check out the yummy seasoning options we have at RosaMae Seasonings as well!)

Chicken macaroni salad add-ins:

  • Chicken: Obviously, it’s not a chicken macaroni salad without protein! I used canned chicken from Costco, but you could use any leftover cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even just chopped-up boneless chicken breast.
  • Hard-boiled eggs: I love including eggs in my macaroni salad because I think it’s a staple ingredient. Dice ‘em up into small pieces so they mix well with the other ingredients.
  • Vegetables: For my chicken macaroni salad, I use sweet red bell pepper, green onions, red onion, and celery.

What other vegetables or mix-ins could you use in your own version of chicken macaroni salad? Green bell peppers, peas, diced carrots, or shredded cheese are popular options that add texture and flavor.

Also, you can replace the chicken with canned tuna if you prefer a tuna macaroni salad instead. You could also omit the proteins completely for an all-veggie pasta salad.

What is the best pasta to use for chicken macaroni salad?

The final piece of the puzzle—the pasta! As the name suggests, you should use macaroni pasta, right?! Well, I get a little crazy and use cavatappi pasta (or, as I like to call it, corkscrew pasta!). You could just as easily use elbow macaroni pasta, mini shells, or rotini pasta. The best pasta for a creamy pasta salad recipe is the type that holds onto the creamy dressing and mixes in perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.

A white and red casserole dish is filled with a creamy macaroni salad with chicken, celery, red bell pepper, and other vegetables. A serving spoon holds a generous scoop of the creamy pasta salad.

How to Make Cold Chicken Macaroni Salad

Making this chicken pasta salad recipe is almost way TOO easy, and it really only takes a few minutes once the pasta is cooked. Check out my YouTube video tutorial for step-by-step visual directions on how to whip up this insanely easy chicken macaroni salad recipe.

Here’s how to assemble this classic pasta salad recipe:

  1. First, cook the dried pasta according to the package directions. Slightly undercook the pasta by a minute or two, so it won’t become mushy when mixed in with the creamy dressing.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, mix the mayo-based dressing using the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, relish, and seasonings.
  3. Next, add all your mix-ins. My chicken, vegetables, and eggs are diced into small pieces so they mix well with the salad dressing.
  4. Next, add the pasta. You don’t want to add hot pasta to a mayo-based dressing, so make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water before adding it to the chicken salad mixture.
  5. Finally, mix everything together (make sure you use a large mixing bowl—you’ll need the room!) until well combined. At this point, do a taste test to see if you want to add any more seasoning (like salt, back pepper, or even some garlic powder). I transfer the macaroni salad into a casserole dish, then refrigerate it for about 3 hours until it’s nice and cold.

Can I make macaroni chicken salad ahead of time?

You certainly can make this a day or so ahead of time, but I wouldn’t recommend making it much earlier than that! The mayo dressing will soak into the pasta, which will definitely help flavor the pasta but could also leave the salad feeling a bit dry after a day or so. This cold pasta salad recipe is best served the day of after a short stay in the fridge!

How long does chicken macaroni salad last?

A creamy macaroni salad should last 3-4 days in the fridge. Store the pasta salad in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap or tin foil. If the dressing starts to separate, it will degrade sooner, so keep an eye on those leftovers before diggin’ back in.

Can you freeze chicken macaroni salad?

You should not freeze this creamy macaroni salad because multiple ingredients don’t freeze well. Fresh veggies, the mayo dressing, and cooked pasta change textures after being frozen. Again, this creamy chicken macaroni salad is best served the same day it’s made.

What can you eat/serve macaroni salad with?

This chicken macaroni salad is perfect as a side dish or a main dish. What goes best with a creamy macaroni salad?

  • Hamburgers or hot dogs, especially grilled.
  • Baked or grilled BBQ chicken
  • Slow cooker pulled pork
  • Fried chicken or roasted chicken
  • Spicy BBQ shrimp
  • Cornbread
  • Baked beans

Cold Chicken Macaroni Pasta Salad Recipe Card + Video Tutorial

My easy, creamy chicken macaroni salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a party, or a main course for an easy, light dinner, it’s sure to be a new family favorite! Watch how I make my chicken pasta salad in the video tutorial on my YouTube channel. You’ll also find the full recipe below in the printable recipe card. Let me know what you think below in the comments! I hope your family and friends love this recipe as much as mine.

As always, don’t forget to tag and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, subscribe to I Heart Recipes on YouTube, and check out all my cookbooks! I just released a brand new cookbook, Super Soul Food with Cousin Rosie, with many recipes you can’t find anywhere else.

Cold Chicken Macaroni Salad
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cold Chicken Macaroni Salad

A flavorful cold chicken macaroni salad that will please a crowd at any tailgate, holiday, or potluck! This chicken pasta salad is made with a creamy mayo-based dressing, chicken, fresh veggies, and pasta.
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Chicken Macaroni Salad, cold pasta salad, Macaroni Salad, pasta salad
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Author I Heart Recipes

Ingredients

Salad Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup sweet relish
  • 1/4 dill relish
  • 1 tbsp salt free seasoning Mrs Dash or generic

Pasta Salad Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups dry macaroni pasta I used cavatappi
  • 2 cans chunk chicken breast 12.5 oz. cans
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs diced
  • 2 stalks of celery diced
  • 1 medium-sized red bell pepper diced
  • 5 green onions chopped
  • 1 small red onion diced
  • Parsley flakes optional
  • Paprika optional

Instructions

  • Boil the pasta until just before it's al dente, then drain.
  • Dice or crumble the boiled eggs, then set to the side.
  • In a large bowl, add in the mayonnaise, dijion mustard, relish, and seasonings. Mix until well combined.
  • Next, add in the diced peppers, onions, celery, chicken, and eggs. Fold the ingredients until combined.
  • Now add in the pasta and fold carefully until well combined.
  • Once everything is well combined, transfer the chicken macaroni salad to a refrigerator safe dish and cover.
  • Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  • Remove from the refrigerator and sprinkle parsley flakes and paprika on top (optional).
  • Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water before adding to the chicken salad mixture. 
  • You can use canned tuna instead of chicken, or leave out the protein completely for a veggie pasta salad.
  • Sub in shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken instead of canned chicken.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 3-4 days.

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Filed Under: All Posts, featured summer, Pasta Salads Tagged With: chicken, macaroni, salad

Comments

  1. Shell says

    March 29, 2017 at 9:43 pm

    5 stars
    Sounds delicious Rosie. I admit to enjoying all your recipes that I have tried!
    Thank you and God bless you and yours!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      March 30, 2017 at 9:15 am

      Thanks so much Shell!! May God bless you as well! XOXO

      Reply
      • Mr hart says

        June 7, 2018 at 11:20 am

        5 stars
        Rosie what kind of Mrs dash do you use? And the Dijon mustard is it spicey? And last can we skip green onion?

        Reply
        • Rosie says

          June 8, 2018 at 9:18 am

          Hello! I use regular dijon mustard, not the spicy. The original Mrs. Dash, and yes you can skip the green onion.

          Reply
  2. Chenille says

    March 29, 2017 at 10:29 pm

    5 stars
    Looks so yummy! I love traditional macaroni salad so adding a little protein definitely makes this a true meal!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      March 30, 2017 at 9:16 am

      Hi Chenille! I agree, this can definitely be a meal ( with a little side salad!) 😀

      Reply
  3. Kim says

    March 30, 2017 at 3:46 am

    I love salads and this one looks fantastic. I’ve always used tuna, but the chicken will be a nice alternative. I love COSTCO! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      March 30, 2017 at 9:17 am

      Hi Kim! I love Costco as well!! XOXO

      Reply
  4. Mary says

    March 30, 2017 at 8:47 am

    Perfect recipe for summer potlucks and picnics. Love canned chicken and tuna from Costco! Pinned. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      March 30, 2017 at 9:21 am

      Hi Mary! Absolutely! This salad is perfect for any occasion 😀

      Reply
  5. Denise says

    April 9, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    5 stars
    This salad was Delicious! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      April 9, 2017 at 2:14 pm

      Hi Denise! I’m glad that you tried, and liked my recipe.

      Reply
      • Denise says

        April 15, 2017 at 2:14 pm

        5 stars
        I love your page!!! My family are “dump” cooks and never know measurements, so I was so happy to find your page where there you give the entire recipe.
        Thanks again for sharing your amazing recipes!
        God bless you! xoxoxo! 😉

        Reply
        • Rosie says

          April 15, 2017 at 2:21 pm

          I’m glad that you found my blog!

          Reply
  6. Patsy Nicholson says

    July 2, 2017 at 7:43 am

    5 stars
    I love macaroni salads but I have to say this is the best one I have ever made, thank you so much for a your recipes, love all the one’s I have made. Hope you have a beautiful blessed week!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      July 2, 2017 at 11:47 am

      Hi Patsy! I’m glad that you liked my recipe! Have a wonderful 4th!

      Reply
  7. Chialy Arcilla says

    June 11, 2018 at 7:49 am

    Hi Rosie love your foods and all kinds of your recipes. Thank you for sharing . All your foods are so delicious and yummy !! Again thank you .

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      June 11, 2018 at 4:32 pm

      Thanks Chialy!

      Reply
  8. Maranda says

    June 23, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    Hey Rosie, if I wanted to triple this recipe do I just add the ingredients times 3?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      July 1, 2018 at 12:46 pm

      Yes 🙂

      Reply
  9. Mrs.Jones says

    August 18, 2018 at 6:45 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe was amazing ! My husband is such a picky eater (hates relish and boiled eggs) but he had NO PROBLEM eating this recipe!! (Without him knowing the ingredients till after he had a plate of course , lol!)

    Reply
  10. Delores Stokes says

    October 19, 2018 at 12:57 pm

    Love to make different salads for special occasions and at home

    Reply
  11. cera says

    April 6, 2019 at 12:56 am

    Hi Rosie , this looks delish I must try it. And you are so beautiful.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      April 6, 2019 at 11:31 am

      Hi there! Thanks so much Cera!

      Reply
  12. Eric says

    August 24, 2019 at 3:24 pm

    5 stars
    Holy crap!!! This is amazing! I followed the instructions but used vegan versions of everything (Hellman’s mayo, Morningstar chicken strips, and no egg). This is the best macaroni salad I’ve ever had hands down!

    THANKS!

    Eric

    Reply
  13. Brittany says

    September 2, 2019 at 1:30 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! This is my new favorite macaroni salad.

    Reply
  14. Barbara Howell says

    March 6, 2020 at 12:27 pm

    can you use any kind of macaroni

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      March 6, 2020 at 1:54 pm

      Sure can 🙂

      Reply
  15. Mary says

    May 8, 2020 at 11:45 am

    The picture shows what looks like black olives? Did you add them?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      May 8, 2020 at 6:23 pm

      I think you’re looking at the seafood macaroni salad that’s featured under the recipe?

      Reply
  16. Jennifer says

    June 26, 2020 at 4:41 pm

    Hi Rosie!
    I saw your chicken macaroni salad recipe and wanted to give it a try, it’s delicious!!! Definitely a game changer from the tuna macaroni salad that I usually make, thank you for sharing

    Reply
  17. Kwa says

    July 22, 2020 at 4:42 pm

    I made this recipe yesterday.
    THIS IS THE BEST MACARONI SALAD I HAVE EVER TASTED

    Reply
  18. Kaiana Johnson says

    August 19, 2020 at 4:30 pm

    5 stars
    Trying this meal too night. Thank you!!!!

    Reply
  19. Lisa says

    August 24, 2020 at 9:51 pm

    I love the ideas in your salad and am definitely going to try it soon! Being a Wisconsin girl, I’ll be adding a big heaping dose of cheddar cheese to it – it can only make it better! Thanks for the recipe and ideas – this sounds so great!

    Reply
  20. Consuela Trice says

    November 13, 2021 at 7:28 pm

    5 stars
    I made this chicken salad about 2 yrs ago and everyone loved it. My cousin who had not been eating due to a death came back to get more. I have been using your recipes to elevate my cooking skills for years now. Thanks for your wonderful recipes.

    Reply
  21. Annie says

    August 22, 2022 at 9:29 am

    Hi Rosie,
    Is that three and 1/2 cups of macaroni dry and before it’s cooked? And if that’s the amount already cooked, how many cups of dry do I use to get that? Thanks

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      August 22, 2022 at 12:41 pm

      Hi Annie! The amount is uncooked macaroni 😉

      Reply
  22. Annie says

    August 23, 2022 at 6:30 am

    Rosie, thanks for answering my silly question yesterday, but unfortunately, I have another one:
    Can I cook the macaroni the day before it will be eaten then travel with it in my car then mix it with all the other ingredients that evening? (I will be in a situation where cooking it after I arrive may be an issue.) Should I do anything special to it so it will travel well so it won’t stick together or become mushy – like maybe add some of the dressing??
    ……….Or, should I just CHANGE what I’m taking altogether?!? Ha!
    Thanks Rosie, and I love your website.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      August 23, 2022 at 2:50 pm

      Hey there Annie! You can actually make the whole salad the day before. I wouldn’t just cook the pasta the day before, because the pasta will still together.

      Reply

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