Macaroni Coleslaw Salad is what you get when two of the best summer side-dishes (coleslaw and macaroni salad) collide into one super tasty salad!

Ultimate Macaroni Coleslaw Salad: Your Go-To Summer Potluck Dish

Welcome to the ultimate summer side dish that effortlessly merges two beloved classics: creamy macaroni salad and crisp, tangy coleslaw. The result? A truly sensational Macaroni Coleslaw Salad that promises to be the star of any BBQ, potluck, or family gathering. If you’re like me and your plate at any summer get-together is always piled high with every available salad option, then prepare to meet your new obsession. This salad isn’t just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings together the best textures and flavors of the season, offering a refreshing counterpoint to rich grilled meats and hearty sandwiches.

I’ve always been a fervent admirer of a well-made summer salad. Whether it’s a refreshing fruit salad, a vibrant green salad, or a hearty pasta creation, these dishes capture the essence of warm-weather dining. Among my all-time favorites, traditional coleslaw and classic macaroni salad stand out for their distinct charms. Coleslaw offers that delightful crunch and zesty kick from fresh cabbage and a vibrant dressing, while macaroni salad brings comforting creaminess and satisfying chewiness from tender pasta. The inspiration behind this Macaroni Coleslaw Salad was simple: why choose when you can have both? This harmonious blend offers the irresistible crunch from fresh cabbage and crisp vegetables, the tender bite of perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a rich, tangy, and subtly sweet dressing that ties it all together beautifully.

Since its inception, this unique recipe has garnered immense popularity, both in person at countless events and virtually across social media platforms. It’s consistently praised for its irresistible flavor profile, its satisfying textures, and its uncanny ability to disappear rapidly from the serving bowl. It’s not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a verified viral sensation that has cemented its place as a cherished reader favorite. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this incredibly tasty, easy-to-make dish that embodies everything wonderful about summer entertaining, making it the perfect addition to your next outdoor feast.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Macaroni Coleslaw Salad

Crafting the ideal Macaroni Coleslaw Salad begins with selecting the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of textures and flavors that makes this salad so memorable and deeply satisfying. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element is crucial for a truly delicious outcome:

• Macaroni Pasta: The comforting foundation of our salad! While elbow macaroni is the quintessential choice for its classic shape and ability to hold dressing, any other short pasta shape with a good surface area or nooks and crannies—such as ditalini, small shells, or even rotini—will work wonderfully. These shapes are excellent at trapping the creamy dressing, ensuring every forkful is bursting with flavor. Cook your pasta al dente to maintain a pleasant chewiness, preventing it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing. Remember to rinse it thoroughly with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, which is key for a cold pasta salad.
• Coleslaw Mix: For ultimate convenience without compromising on taste, a quality store-bought coleslaw mix is your best friend. Look for a vibrant blend of shredded green and red cabbage with carrots in the produce section of your grocery store, typically located near bagged lettuces and other prepared salad kits. This mix provides instant crunch, beautiful color, and that quintessential coleslaw flavor without the hassle of chopping multiple vegetables yourself, saving you precious prep time.
• Celery: A traditional and beloved macaroni salad addition, finely diced celery is indispensable for adding a bright, refreshing crunch to the salad. Its subtle peppery notes also contribute to the overall savory depth, offering a delightful textural contrast to the soft pasta and tender cabbage. Make sure it’s fresh and crisp for the best effect.
• Cucumber: To elevate the freshness and add a juicy bite, we highly recommend using English or Salad cucumbers. These varieties are favored for their thin skins, fewer seeds, and crisp, sweet flesh. They tend to be significantly less watery and more flavorful than standard garden cucumbers, ensuring your salad remains vibrant and never diluted. Slice them into attractive half-moons or quarter-moons for visual appeal and an enjoyable, substantial bite.
• Red Onion: Diced red onion adds a sharp, piquant flavor that beautifully cuts through the richness of the dressing, providing a delightful zing and aromatic kick. If you find raw red onion too strong or pungent, a simple yet effective trick is to soak the diced onions in a bowl of ice-cold salted water for about 10-15 minutes. This process helps mellow their intensity significantly. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry before adding them to the salad. Keep in mind that the onion flavor will intensify slightly as the salad chills and sits in the refrigerator.
• Green Bell Pepper: This vibrant vegetable not only contributes a beautiful pop of fresh color but also delivers another layer of crisp texture and a mild, slightly sweet, and savory note. Finely dicing the bell pepper ensures it integrates seamlessly with the other ingredients, adding to the overall harmony and complexity of the salad’s flavor profile.

Crafting the Perfect Creamy & Tangy Dressing

The dressing is truly the heart and soul of our Macaroni Coleslaw Salad, transforming a collection of simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. It’s a beautifully balanced creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet concoction that perfectly coats every component, ensuring a delicious and cohesive experience with each spoonful. Here are the key ingredients for this homemade dressing and a deeper dive into why each one matters:

• Mayonnaise: This is arguably the most crucial ingredient, as it dictates much of the dressing’s texture and overall taste. For the absolute best results, we highly recommend using a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise such as Hellmann’s® or Best Foods®. These brands offer a rich, creamy consistency and a perfectly balanced flavor that isn’t overly sweet, providing the ideal luxurious base for our dressing. Avoid low-fat or “salad dressing” alternatives, as they can be too thin, lack flavor, or introduce undesirable artificial notes that will diminish the quality of your salad.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness is a hallmark of many beloved macaroni and coleslaw salads, and our fusion recipe is no exception. Sugar plays a vital role in balancing the sharp tang from the apple cider vinegar and the savory notes of the fresh vegetables. It rounds out the flavors and makes the dressing utterly irresistible and well-balanced. If you prefer a less sweet profile, start with a slightly smaller amount (e.g., 2 tablespoons) and gradually add more to achieve your desired taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient is absolutely essential for providing that signature tangy kick that brightens and lifts the entire salad. Apple cider vinegar introduces a pleasant, crisp acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and balances the sweetness of the sugar, creating a wonderfully complex and refreshing flavor profile. It’s what gives the dressing its characteristic zest.
• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder): This simple yet powerful trio of seasonings is vital for building deep flavor. Salt is a fundamental flavor enhancer, crucial for bringing out the best in all the ingredients and preventing the salad from tasting bland. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and a touch of savory depth. Garlic powder provides a gentle aromatic earthiness without the sharpness or intensity of raw garlic, ensuring a smooth flavor. Don’t underestimate the power of proper seasoning; if your salad tastes a bit “flat,” it likely just needs a final pinch of salt to awaken all its delicious flavors.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a game-changer for this dressing! It instantly brightens the flavors, adds another layer of vibrant, fresh tanginess, and helps to harmonize all the components. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is far superior to bottled varieties, offering a more vibrant and authentic citrus note that truly elevates the dressing. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference – if you love an extra zesty kick, add a little more!

Expert Tips for Making the Best Macaroni Coleslaw Salad

Achieving a truly outstanding Macaroni Coleslaw Salad is simple with a few insider tips and techniques. These recommendations will help ensure your salad is perfectly seasoned, wonderfully textured, and utterly delicious, from initial preparation to the final serving. Pay attention to these details, and your salad will be an instant hit!

• Properly Salt Your Pasta Water: This seemingly small step makes a monumental difference in the final flavor of your pasta and, consequently, your entire salad. Since cold pasta can have a more muted taste, salting the water generously (approximately 1 teaspoon of salt for every 4 cups of water) ensures the pasta itself is seasoned from within as it cooks. This creates a more flavorful foundation for the entire dish, preventing a bland base. For more in-depth guidance, check out how to properly salt your pasta water.
• Don’t Worry About Lumpy Dressing (Initially): When you first whisk together the dressing ingredients, it might appear a bit lumpy, especially if your mayonnaise is very cold, due to the various textures and viscosities. Rest assured, this is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about! As you combine the dressing with the pasta and vegetables and toss everything thoroughly, the lumps will gradually work themselves out, resulting in a smooth, creamy, and uniform coating that perfectly adheres to all the salad components.
• Chill for Optimal Flavor Melding: While it’s perfectly fine to serve this salad immediately after preparing it, allowing it to chill for at least 30-60 minutes (or ideally 1-2 hours) makes a remarkable difference in its overall taste and texture. This resting period gives the ingredients ample time to meld and for the flavors to deepen and harmonize, resulting in a more complex and satisfying taste experience. Serving it refreshingly cold also enhances its light and invigorating qualities, making it truly perfect for warm weather gatherings.
• Add Crispy Veggies Just Before Serving (If Storing): If you anticipate having leftovers or are preparing the salad a bit in advance (though same-day consumption is best), a fantastic tip is to hold back a small portion of the crispiest vegetables, such as the cucumber and green bell pepper. Gently fold these reserved vegetables in just before serving. This strategy helps maintain their vibrant crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy while stored in the dressing, ensuring a superior texture with every bite.
• Pasta Absorbs Dressing – Be Prepared to Adjust: Pasta is notoriously absorbent, and it will continue to soak up liquids from the dressing over time. This means your salad might appear drier or less creamy after sitting for a while, especially if refrigerated overnight. To counteract this, add most of the dressing when initially mixing, and then gradually add a splash more dressing as needed just before serving. If you’re bringing it to a potluck or serving over an extended period, give it a good stir every 30 minutes or so and add a little extra dressing if it looks a bit parched, ensuring it remains wonderfully moist and flavorful.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Macaroni Coleslaw Salad

One of the most delightful aspects of this Macaroni Coleslaw Salad is its incredible versatility! While the classic recipe is a guaranteed hit and a fantastic starting point, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize it to suit your specific taste preferences, dietary needs, or simply what you have on hand in your pantry and fridge. Here are some fantastic ideas to switch things up and make this popular side dish uniquely your own:

• Boost with Protein: For a heartier salad that can easily serve as a light lunch or a more substantial main course, incorporate your favorite cooked protein. Shredded grilled chicken (marinated for extra flavor!), crispy crumbled bacon (much like a BLT Pasta Salad), cooked and chilled shrimp, flaked canned tuna, or even plant-based options like roasted chickpeas or crumbled firm tofu, would all be delicious additions, adding substance and satiety.
• Add Some Cheese: Cheese truly does make almost everything better! Stir in some small cubes of sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, or tangy crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of savory flavor and delightful texture. A sprinkle of Parmesan could also add a salty, umami kick.
• Fruity Twist: Introduce a delightful sweet-tart element by adding finely diced crisp apples (like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), plump golden raisins, or tangy dried cranberries. These fruits provide a wonderful burst of sweetness and a contrasting chewiness that plays beautifully against the savory and creamy components of the salad.
• Creamy Avocado: For an extra boost of luxurious creaminess and healthy fats, gently fold in diced ripe avocado just before serving. Its smooth, buttery texture and rich, nutty flavor perfectly complement the crisp vegetables and tender pasta. Remember to add avocado right before serving to prevent browning.
• Crunchy Nuts or Seeds: Enhance the textural experience with an added layer of crunch. Toss in toasted slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, chopped walnuts, or even toasted pumpkin seeds. Lightly toasting them beforehand will bring out their full, aromatic flavor and maximize their crispness.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat and zing, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing mixture, or a finely minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat, or left in for more) to the vegetable mix. A dash of hot sauce could also be stirred into the dressing.
• Herbaceous Freshness: Fresh herbs can truly brighten and lift a salad with their aromatic notes. Chopped fresh dill, parsley, chives, or even a hint of mint would be wonderful additions to the dressing or gently folded into the salad just before serving, adding a burst of garden-fresh flavor.

More Delicious Summer Favorites to Try

Looking for more amazing dishes to complete your summer menu, impress at your next potluck, or simply enjoy a delicious, easy meal? Explore these other popular recipes that are perfect for warm-weather dining, gatherings, and convenient weeknight meals. Each one is a tested and beloved recipe that promises flavor and satisfaction:

• Grilled Chicken Marinade: A reader-favorite recipe that guarantees tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful grilled chicken every single time. It’s perfect for meal prep, a backyard BBQ, or a show-stopping main course.
• Creamy Pesto Orzo: An incredibly simple and satisfying one-pot dish, this creamy orzo pasta is ready in 30 minutes or less! It’s bursting with fresh pesto flavor and has a wonderfully smooth, creamy texture that everyone loves.
• Grilled Flank Steak: Master the grill with this recipe for perfectly cooked, juicy flank steak. It’s complemented by an easy, vibrant homemade herb sauce like chimichurri, adding a fresh, zesty kick.
• Zucchini Pasta Sauce: A light, fresh, and healthy pasta sauce featuring abundant zucchini and summer squash, tossed over spaghetti for a quick, wholesome, and flavorful meal. Ideal for utilizing garden produce.
• Taco Pasta Salad: A fun, festive, and incredibly flavorful twist on classic pasta salad. This vibrant dish features taco-seasoned ground beef or a vegetarian alternative and all your favorite taco fixings, making it a crowd-pleaser.

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5 from 11 votes

Macaroni Coleslaw Salad

By

Chelsea Lords

Macaroni Coleslaw Salad combines the best of coleslaw and macaroni salad into one ridiculously tasty potluck favorite!

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Servings:

14
side salad servings

Video

Equipment

• Medium pot

Ingredients

Salad

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups English cucumber 2 cucumbers, cut in half moons
• 1 green bell pepper diced, 1 cup
• 2 stalks celery finely diced, 3/4 cup
• 1/2 large red onion finely diced, 1 cup
• 1 (14-to-16-ounce) package coleslaw mix see note 1

Dressing

• 1-1/2 cups mayo
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar see note 2
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Measure 2 cups dry macaroni. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water, then add the macaroni. Boil according to package directions for al dente, typically 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly and rinse it under cool running water for about 30 seconds to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Shake off any excess water and let the macaroni cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for preventing a mushy salad and helping the dressing adhere better.
2. While the macaroni cools, prepare the luscious dressing. In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. The dressing may appear slightly lumpy initially, but don’t worry – it will smooth out as it’s tossed with the salad ingredients. Refrigerate the prepared dressing until you’re ready to combine it with the salad components.
3. Prepare your fresh vegetables with precision. Remove an inch from each end of the cucumbers, then slice them into attractive half-moons. Finely dice the green bell pepper, crisp celery, and pungent red onion. For those who find raw red onion flavor too strong, a simple yet effective trick is to soak the diced onion in ice-cold salted water for 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry before adding to the salad. This mellows its intensity.
4. Once the macaroni has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the coleslaw mix, sliced cucumbers, diced green bell pepper, finely diced celery, and prepared red onion. Ensure all ingredients are ready for their creamy coating.
5. If serving the salad on the same day, pour the chilled, prepared dressing over the mixed ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all components are beautifully coated in the creamy dressing. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30-60 minutes before serving. This crucial chilling period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a wonderfully harmonious and refreshing salad. Before serving, give it another gentle toss and taste to adjust seasonings (add more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar/lemon juice) if needed. For the best taste and optimal texture, this salad is truly best enjoyed on the day it’s dressed.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: For optimal convenience and consistent results, utilize a good-quality store-bought coleslaw mix, which is typically found in the refrigerated produce section of your grocery store. These mixes usually contain a combination of shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots, providing a colorful and crunchy base.

Note 2: The amount of granulated sugar in the dressing can be adjusted to perfectly suit your personal preference. If you’re sensitive to sweetness or simply prefer a tangier salad with a stronger vinegar kick, start by adding a smaller amount (e.g., 2 tablespoons) and gradually add more, tasting as you go, until you achieve your desired flavor balance.

Storage: This Macaroni Coleslaw Salad is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s prepared and dressed. Once combined, the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing, which can lead to a less desirable bloated and soft texture for the macaroni. Simultaneously, the fresh vegetables will gradually release their moisture, potentially causing the salad to become watery and lose its vibrant crunch. For advanced preparation, the optimal strategy is to store the cooked macaroni (cooled and rinsed), all the chopped fresh vegetables, and the prepared dressing separately in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine only the portion you intend to eat just before serving to maintain optimal freshness, texture, and delicious flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 248mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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