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!
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.
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:
- 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.
- While the pasta is cooking, mix the mayo-based dressing using the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, relish, and seasonings.
- Next, add all your mix-ins. My chicken, vegetables, and eggs are diced into small pieces so they mix well with the salad dressing.
- 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.
- 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
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.
Sounds delicious Rosie. I admit to enjoying all your recipes that I have tried!
Thank you and God bless you and yours!
Thanks so much Shell!! May God bless you as well! XOXO
Rosie what kind of Mrs dash do you use? And the Dijon mustard is it spicey? And last can we skip green onion?
Hello! I use regular dijon mustard, not the spicy. The original Mrs. Dash, and yes you can skip the green onion.
Looks so yummy! I love traditional macaroni salad so adding a little protein definitely makes this a true meal!
Hi Chenille! I agree, this can definitely be a meal ( with a little side salad!) 😀
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!
Hi Kim! I love Costco as well!! XOXO
Perfect recipe for summer potlucks and picnics. Love canned chicken and tuna from Costco! Pinned. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Mary! Absolutely! This salad is perfect for any occasion 😀
This salad was Delicious! Thank you!
Hi Denise! I’m glad that you tried, and liked my recipe.
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! 😉
I’m glad that you found my blog!
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!
Hi Patsy! I’m glad that you liked my recipe! Have a wonderful 4th!
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 .
Thanks Chialy!
Hey Rosie, if I wanted to triple this recipe do I just add the ingredients times 3?
Yes 🙂
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!)
Love to make different salads for special occasions and at home
Hi Rosie , this looks delish I must try it. And you are so beautiful.
Hi there! Thanks so much Cera!
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
Absolutely delicious! This is my new favorite macaroni salad.
can you use any kind of macaroni
Sure can 🙂
The picture shows what looks like black olives? Did you add them?
I think you’re looking at the seafood macaroni salad that’s featured under the recipe?
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
I made this recipe yesterday.
THIS IS THE BEST MACARONI SALAD I HAVE EVER TASTED
Trying this meal too night. Thank you!!!!
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!
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.
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
Hi Annie! The amount is uncooked macaroni 😉
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.
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.