10 Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipes for BBQs
Nothing beats the smoky aroma of a summer BBQ, with grills sizzling and laughter filling the air. I still remember my childhood summers at Grandma’s house, where her creamy macaroni salad was the undisputed star of every backyard gathering. It was the perfect cool, tangy side to balance the heat of burgers and ribs—a simple mix of elbow pasta, mayo, celery, and a sprinkle of paprika that had us kids sneaking seconds before the main course. Those memories fuel my love for reinventing this classic today.
Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my kitchen to elevate that nostalgic dish for modern BBQs. With friends coming over for weekend cookouts, I whipped up batches incorporating bold flavors like bacon, tropical fruits, and even a spicy buffalo twist. These creamy macaroni salads are not just easy crowd-pleasers; they’re make-ahead miracles that stay fresh in the cooler, freeing you up to enjoy the party. In a world of rushed meals, they remind us of simple joys and bring everyone together.
Classic Creamy Macaroni Salad
This timeless recipe is my go-to for effortless BBQs, capturing that nostalgic potluck vibe with a velvety mayo dressing. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 lb elbow macaroni, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tbsp mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Cook pasta al dente, rinse under cold water, and mix with all other ingredients in a large bowl. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
It’s incredibly simple—no cooking beyond boiling pasta—and benefits from its make-ahead nature, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. Perfect for beginners, it’s budget-friendly and universally loved.
Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad
Amp up your BBQ with smoky bacon and herby ranch in this addictive twist. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 lb macaroni, 1 cup ranch dressing, 1/2 cup mayo, 8 slices cooked crumbled bacon, 1/2 cup chopped green onions, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, salt and pepper. Boil and cool pasta, then toss with dressing, mayo, and veggies; fold in bacon and cheese last. Refrigerate 1-2 hours.
The ranch adds a cool, tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, while bacon brings crunch and protein—ideal for meat-lovers at carnivorous BBQs.
Tuna Macaroni Salad
A protein-packed option for lighter BBQs, this tuna version is fresh and satisfying. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 lb elbow pasta, 2 cans tuna drained, 1 cup mayo, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dill, salt and pepper. Cook pasta, mix with tuna, yogurt-mayo base, and veggies; chill for 2 hours.
It’s quick (under 20 minutes active time), budget-savvy with pantry staples, and offers omega-3s from tuna for a nutritious side that keeps you fueled without heaviness.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Transport your BBQ to the islands with pineapple sweetness and creamy coconut vibes. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 lb macaroni, 1 cup mayo, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/4 cup green onions, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, salt. Boil pasta, combine with creamy dressing, fruits, and veggies; let sit overnight for best flavor.
This tropical gem balances sweet and savory, is naturally gluten-free adaptable, and wows guests with its unique flair—great for themed parties.
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni Salad
Spice up your spread with this fiery, creamy take inspired by buffalo wings. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 lb rotini pasta, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing, 1/2 cup hot sauce, 1/2 cup mayo, 1 cup diced celery, 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese. Cook pasta, toss with chicken, sauces, and celery; chill 2 hours.
It delivers bold flavor with minimal spice adjustment, packs protein for hearty appetites, and is a fun game-day upgrade that disappears fast.
Pesto Macaroni Salad
Creamy pesto brings Italian flair to BBQs with basil and nutty richness. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 lb fusilli, 1 cup store-bought pesto, 1/2 cup mayo, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, 1/4 cup pine nuts, lemon zest. Boil pasta, mix pesto-mayo dressing with tomatoes and cheese; toast nuts and sprinkle on top. Chill 1 hour.
Fresh and vibrant, it’s vegetarian-friendly, antioxidant-rich from pesto, and elevates simple BBQs with gourmet appeal in under 30 minutes.
Greek Macaroni Salad
Mediterranean-inspired with feta tang and olives for a zesty BBQ side. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 lb orzo or elbows, 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup mayo, 1 cup diced cucumbers, 1/2 cup feta crumbles, 1/4 cup kalamata olives, 2 tbsp oregano, lemon juice. Cook pasta, blend yogurt-mayo with herbs, fold in veggies and cheese; marinate 2 hours.
Health-boosting with yogurt probiotics and veggies, it’s refreshing, low-cal compared to mayo-heavy versions, and pairs brilliantly with grilled lamb or veggies.
BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni Salad
Meaty and saucy, this one’s loaded with BBQ pork for ultimate indulgence. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 lb macaroni, 2 cups pulled pork, 1 cup BBQ sauce-mayo mix, 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/2 cup cheddar shreds. Cook pasta, combine with pork, creamy BBQ dressing, and add-ins; warm slightly or serve cold. Chill briefly.
Transforms leftovers into a star dish, doubles as a main for pork fans, and its bold sauce ties perfectly to any grill menu.
Avocado Macaroni Salad
Creamy from ripe avocados, this green goddess is fresh and healthy. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 lb shells, 2 mashed avocados, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup cilantro, 1 avocado sliced for garnish. Boil pasta, blend avocado-yogurt dressing, toss with tomatoes and herbs; top with slices. Serve soon.
Heart-healthy fats from avocado make it guilt-free, it’s vegan-adaptable, and the bright lime cuts through BBQ richness beautifully.
Sweet Pickle Macaroni Salad
A Southern sweetheart with pickle pop and extra creaminess for crunch lovers. Ingredients (serves 8): 1 lb elbow macaroni, 1 cup mayo, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 cup chopped sweet pickles, 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, 1/4 cup minced onion, 1 tsp celery seed. Cook and cool pasta, mix creamy base with pickles and veggies; chill overnight.
The sweet-sour balance shines after chilling, it’s super affordable with long-shelf ingredients, and adds delightful texture to any BBQ plate.
Whether you’re hosting a massive cookout or a cozy backyard grill, these 10 creamy macaroni salad recipes are your secret to stress-free sides that steal the show. Grab your pasta, get creative in the kitchen, and watch your guests rave—your next BBQ is about to become legendary!
