How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Macaroni Salad ?

You need 22 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 lb elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled, 1/2 C. dried cranberries, 1/2 C. diced green and red peppers, 1 or 2 stalks celery, chopped, and more.

Is Macaroni Salad suitable as pasta & noodles?

Yes, Macaroni Salad falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Macaroni Salad ?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

Macaroni Salad Recipe

Name: Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 lb elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled; 1/2 C. dried cranberries; 1/2 C. diced green and red peppers; 1 or 2 stalks celery, chopped; 2 hard boiled eggs, sliced; 1 T. chopped parsley, optional; 3 black olives, sliced; 1 C. frozen green peas, thawed; 1 small onion, chopped or grated; 1 1/2 tsp. salt, or to taste; 1 tsp. oregano; 1/2 C. mayonnaise; 1/2 C. sour cream; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp. creamy horseradish; 1 tsp. dijon mustard; 10 small to medium shrimp, cut up; 1 tsp. dill; Topping:; 1 tsp. paprika; 1/4 C. walnuts, chopped; 1/4 C. cheddar cheese, diced or shredded

Fresh, crisp and full of flavor — this Macaroni Salad is a must-try. Made with elbow macaroni, cranberries, red peppers and stalks celery. Easy step-by-…

This Macaroni Salad relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as dried cranberries, diced green and red peppers, or 2 stalks celery, chopped and hard boiled eggs, sliced. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 728 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Pasta & Noodles

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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Macaroni Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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Frequently Asked Questions