Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Recipe

I grew up making this Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Recipe every summer, and it’s still my go-to crowd-pleaser!

Trust me, once you taste how those creamy eggs blend with fresh veggies, you’ll understand why this dish disappears first at every potluck.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it perfectly balances creamy textures with fresh, vibrant flavors.

You’ll appreciate how the hard-boiled eggs add richness while the crisp vegetables bring delightful crunch. It’s incredibly versatile and always disappears fast at family gatherings!

If you’re anything like me and love this kind of comforting dish, you’ll definitely want to try my Creamy Sweet Corn Pasta with Basil and Cherry Tomatoes next!

Ingredients for This Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Recipe

For the Salad Base:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta (I prefer the classic shape for best dressing coverage)
• 6 large eggs (fresh eggs work best for clean peeling)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 medium Roma tomatoes, diced and drained
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots (adds beautiful color and crunch)

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 1½ cups high-quality mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional but wonderful)

Pro tip: I always use real mayonnaise rather than the light version – it makes all the difference in creating that signature creamy texture your Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Recipe deserves!

How to Make Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). You want it tender but still with a slight bite since it’ll continue softening in the dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs While pasta cooks, place eggs in a separate saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand 12 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice bath. This method gives you perfectly cooked eggs every time!

Step 3: Cool Everything Down Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water until completely cooled. I like to spread it on a baking sheet to cool faster. Peel and dice your eggs into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Prep Your Vegetables Dice all your fresh vegetables uniformly – this ensures every bite of your Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Recipe has balanced flavors and textures.

Step 5: Make the Dressing In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and all seasonings until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Combine Everything Add the cooled pasta, diced eggs, and all vegetables to the dressing. Gently fold everything together using a large spoon or spatula. Be gentle to keep the eggs from breaking apart completely.

Step 7: Chill and Serve Cover and refrigerate your Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Recipe for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.

How I Keep My Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Extra Creamy and Flavorful

My biggest secret is slightly undercooking the pasta – it continues softening in the dressing overnight. Always drain your diced tomatoes on paper towels for 10 minutes to prevent watery salad.

I taste and adjust seasonings just before serving since flavors can mellow during chilling.

Don’t skip the ice bath for eggs – it prevents that gray ring around the yolk!

Print

What’s the best way to store leftover macaroni salad?

Store your Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Give it a gentle stir before serving since the dressing may settle.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise in this recipe?

While mayonnaise creates the authentic creamy texture, you can substitute half with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

However, the traditional Southern taste comes from using real mayo.

Why do you add eggs to macaroni salad?

The eggs are what make this distinctly Southern!

They add richness, protein, and that classic comfort food element that sets this Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Recipe apart from basic versions.

How do I prevent my pasta salad from becoming too dry?

I always reserve a little extra dressing to add just before serving. Pasta absorbs moisture over time, so this keeps your salad perfectly creamy.

---

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg

I love serving this Southern Macaroni Salad with Egg Recipe alongside grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or fried fish for the ultimate Southern feast.

It’s perfect for church potlucks, family reunions, and summer picnics. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch with some crackers and fresh fruit on the side.