Oh, summer! Doesn’t it just scream picnics and potlucks? Growing up, no family get-together was complete without Mom’s famous Chicken Macaroni Salad. It was *the* dish everyone looked forward to, and honestly, it’s still the first thing I think of when planning a barbecue.
This isn’t just any salad, though. We’re talking creamy, dreamy, perfectly balanced flavors that just sing “summer.” It’s a classic for a reason! And the best part? It’s so easy to whip up, even I can’t mess it up (and trust me, that’s saying something!). Whether you’re headed to a potluck or just need a quick lunch, this Chicken Macaroni Salad recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve been making it for years, tweaking it here and there, and I’m so excited to share my version with you!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Macaroni Salad
Okay, so why *this* chicken macaroni salad recipe? Let me tell you!
Quick and Easy Chicken Macaroni Salad
Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver! It barely takes any effort to throw together. I mean, we’re talking minimal chopping and mixing. What’s not to love?
Perfect for Any Occasion
Picnics, potlucks, lazy summer lunches…you name it, this salad fits right in! It’s like the chameleon of side dishes, totally adaptable.
Creamy and Flavorful Chicken Macaroni Salad
The creamy texture? The perfect balance of sweet and savory? It’s just downright delicious! It’s the kind of salad you crave, not just tolerate, you know?
Ingredients for Chicken Macaroni Salad
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical Chicken Macaroni Salad:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni – gotta have that classic shape!
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced – rotisserie chicken works GREAT here!
- 1 cup mayonnaise – I usually go for full-fat, but light mayo works too if you’re watching calories.
- 1/2 cup celery, diced – for that satisfying crunch!
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced – adds a little zing, ya know?
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish – the secret ingredient that brings it all together!
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard – don’t skip this, it’s key!
- 1 teaspoon salt – or to taste, of course!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is always best!
How to Make Chicken Macaroni Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get cooking? Here’s how we turn those ingredients into a bowl of pure deliciousness! Don’t worry, it’s super easy. Just follow along, and you’ll be golden!
Cooking the Macaroni for Chicken Macaroni Salad
First things first, let’s get that macaroni cooked! Follow the package directions – usually, it’s boil until al dente. But listen, don’t overcook it! Nobody wants mushy macaroni salad. Once it’s done, drain it right away and rinse it with *cold* water. This stops the cooking process and keeps it from sticking together. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Combining the Ingredients for Chicken Macaroni Salad
Now for the fun part! Grab a big ol’ bowl – you’ll need the space! Toss in your cooked macaroni, diced chicken, celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish. See how easy this is? It’s basically just dumping everything in a bowl. My favorite part is seeing all the colors come together.
Making the Dressing for Chicken Macaroni Salad
In a separate, smaller bowl (less to clean later!), whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk it good! You want it nice and smooth. Taste it! Does it need a little more mustard? A pinch more salt? Now’s your chance to adjust it to your liking.
Chilling the Chicken Macaroni Salad
This step is *crucial*. Cover that bowl up tight and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. I know, I know, waiting is the hardest part! But trust me, chilling it allows all those flavors to meld together and become even more amazing. You can even leave it overnight for maximum flavor! I usually sneak a little taste before chilling…oops!
Tips for the Best Chicken Macaroni Salad
Want to take your Chicken Macaroni Salad from good to *amazing*? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years!
Choosing the Right Chicken for Chicken Macaroni Salad
Honestly, the chicken makes a big difference! Rotisserie chicken is my go-to ’cause it’s easy and flavorful. Poached chicken works great too, or even leftover cooked chicken. Just make sure you dice it into nice, even pieces!
Getting the Perfect Creaminess in Chicken Macaroni Salad
Creaminess is key, right? Adjust the amount of mayonnaise until it’s *just* how you like it. And splurge on some good quality mayonnaise – it makes a difference, I promise!
Flavor Enhancements for Chicken Macaroni Salad
Don’t be afraid to experiment! A dash of hot sauce can add a fun kick, or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up. Taste as you go and make it your own!
Variations for Your Chicken Macaroni Salad
Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down. Now, let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! This Chicken Macaroni Salad is like a blank canvas – ready for your artistic touch!
Adding Vegetables to Chicken Macaroni Salad
Want a little more crunch? Dice up some bell peppers (red, yellow, green – whatever you’ve got!), carrots, or even some green onions. It adds a pop of color and flavor!
Adding Protein to Chicken Macaroni Salad
Need a protein boost? Hard-boiled eggs are a classic addition. Or, how about some crispy bacon bits? Oh man, that’s good! You could even throw in some diced ham if you’re feeling fancy!
Spice it up Chicken Macaroni Salad
Feeling adventurous? A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can give this salad a delightful kick! Just be careful not to overdo it unless you really like the heat!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Macaroni Salad
Alright, you’ve got your amazing Chicken Macaroni Salad ready to go! Now what? Well, this stuff goes with just about *anything*, but here are a few of my go-to pairings. It’s amazing with grilled chicken or burgers, obviously. But don’t sleep on a good ol’ sandwich and a side of this salad! Or, if you’re doing a full spread, it plays nice with other salads like coleslaw or potato salad. Yum!
How to Store Chicken Macaroni Salad
So, you’ve made a big batch of this amazing Chicken Macaroni Salad…and somehow, you have leftovers? Wow! Seriously though, you’ll want to keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s good for about 3-4 days, but honestly, it never lasts that long at my house! Just be sure to keep it cold to avoid any uh-oh moments with food safety, okay?
Chicken Macaroni Salad FAQs
Got questions about this Chicken Macaroni Salad? I got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask me:
How long does Chicken Macaroni Salad last?
If you store it properly in the fridge, it’ll last for about 3-4 days. But seriously, it’s so good, I doubt it’ll stick around that long!
Can I make Chicken Macaroni Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I usually do! Making it a day in advance actually helps the flavors meld together even more. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze Chicken Macaroni Salad?
Okay, so here’s the deal… freezing isn’t really recommended. The mayonnaise tends to separate when it thaws, and you end up with a kinda weird, watery salad. Nobody wants that! It’s best to just make it fresh, or scale the recipe down if you’re worried about leftovers. You’ll thank me later!
Nutritional Information for Chicken Macaroni Salad
Wondering about the numbers? A serving of this Chicken Macaroni Salad clocks in around 450 calories, 25g of fat, 20g of protein, and 40g of carbs…but hey, it’s just an estimate! Enjoy!
Enjoy Your Chicken Macaroni Salad!
Alright, that’s it! I hope you love this Chicken Macaroni Salad as much as my family does! If you try it, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think! And hey, share a pic on social media – I’d love to see it! Thanks for giving my recipe a try!
Print
Disgustingly Easy Chicken Macaroni Salad in Just 2 Hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A classic and creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, diced chicken, celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over macaroni mixture and stir until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Adjust mayonnaise to your desired creaminess.
- Add hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
