Tangy Classic Macaroni Pasta Salad

This is a take on the classic macaroni salad you'd order for virtually any type of cookout, barbecue, outdoor picnic, you name it! With a blend of greek yogurt and mayonnaise, it gives this pasta salad recipe a slight tang in flavor all while bringing that traditional cold pasta salad vibe everyone knows and loves.

Whether you're looking to find the perfect side for grilled lamb chops with chimichurri or a simple pasta for burgers and dogs on the grill, this macaroni pasta salad is going to deliver in every possible way.

TL;DR Summary - Macaroni Pasta Salad

👩🏼‍🍳 Cook Level: Easy/Beginner
⏱️ Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (plus at least an hour of chill time)
📖 Dietary Info: Dairy, gluten
🗝️ Key Ingredients: Macaroni, mayonnaise, greek yogurt, celery, carrots, salt, pepper
😋 Taste: Creamy, tangy, salty
💖 Why You'll Love: It's an incredibly satisfying pasta salad that leaves room for adding in other ingredients, pairing with a variety of mains and other sides, and tastes better the next day.
🍽️ Best Paired With: Serve this cold pasta salad with a simple cranberry and walnut chicken salad sandwich, triple decker turkey club, or a BLT with avocado.

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TL;DR Summary - Macaroni Pasta Salad
Top Pasta Salad Tips and Reminders
The Main Ingredients
Simple + Reliable Recipe Swaps
How to make a tangy cold pasta salad
Mistakes I've Made (so YOU don't have to!)
Classic Macaroni Salad FAQs
Check out these other impressive pasta recipes
Tangy Classic Macaroni Pasta Salad

Top Pasta Salad Tips and Reminders

Let the pasta salad chill. After you assemble the macaroni salad, let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the ingredients to marinade and build more flavor.
Cool the pasta completely before adding the other ingredients and mixing with the mayonnaise and greek yogurt
To save time, buy pre-shredded carrots instead of shredding yourself. There is truly zero need to have to do everything by hand and from scratch, so if you can cut corners and save some time, pre-shredded carrots is a perfect way to do it.

The Main Ingredients

Ingredients to make a tangy classic macaroni pasta salad.

Celery: Adds a fresh crunch that gives the pasta salad great texture.
Carrots: Bring a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to balance the tangy dressing.
Mayonnaise: Creates a rich, creamy base that coats every bite of pasta.
Greek Yogurt: Adds extra creaminess with a tangy flavor that keeps the dressing light and balanced.
Pasta: Serves as the hearty base that soaks up all of the flavorful dressing.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances the flavors of every ingredient and ties the salad together.
Sweet Relish: Adds a touch of sweetness and a little crunch that complements the tangy dressing.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives the dressing its bright, tangy flavor and balances the creamy ingredients.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle zip and depth of flavor while helping emulsify the dressing.

Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of this post for more information about quantities, measurements, and specific cooking instructions.

Simple + Reliable Recipe Swaps

You do NOT have to use cavatappi, I love it in this specific pasta salad, but if you like a classic elbow or even shells, go for it. I would choose pasta shapes that have some grooves so the mayo/greek yogurt can catch on the pasta.
Omit the greek yogurt and use only mayonnaise, or vice versa for a high protein version.
Throw in other veggies to make this a veggie-forward pasta salad (like my veggie-packed green goddess pasta salad). Peppers, zucchini, cucumbers all work great in this macaroni salad.
Throw in grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, oven-baked chicken thighs, or even honey lime grilled shrimp for a complete and fresh meal.

How to make a tangy cold pasta salad

Step 1: Cook pasta and cool completely. While the pasta cools, mix together the mayonnaise, greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, sweet relish, and dijon mustard.

Step 2: Add the shredded carrots and diced celery to the bowl of cooled pasta.

Step 3: Pour the dressing mixture into the pasta bowl and stir and fold to ensure all the pasta and vegetables are coated with the dressing evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chill at least 1-2 hours before serving.

Mistakes I've Made (so YOU don't have to!)

Please please PLEASE remember to let the pasta cool before adding the other ingredients. It just doesn't taste the same with hot pasta.
Do not forget to salt the water when you boil it prior to adding the pasta. Salting the water gives the pasta flavor, so if you forget this step, you're omitting loads of flavor.
Remember to practice patience with this and let the pasta chill in the fridge.

Classic Macaroni Salad FAQs

How can I make this pasta into a meal prep friendly recipe?

Pasta salads are naturally meal prep friendly because you want to let it marinade and chill before serving it, so to take it a step further, you can make the pasta salad and divide it into containers. Top with your favorite protein or leave as is and you're ready to grab and go as needed.

Is there a reason why greek yogurt is used as well as mayonnaise?

The addition of greek yogurt gives the pasta salad a slight tangy flavor and adds an additional layer of creaminess. It also balances out the saltiness of the pasta.

What's the best way to store this pasta salad?

You can add the leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.