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    What to Eat with Macaroni Salad

    Published: Mar 19, 2023 by Cara Lanz · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    collage of dishes to serve with macaroni salad

    Wondering what to eat with macaroni salad? Find 30 easy and delicious main dish recipes and the very best sides to serve with macaroni salad right here!

    collage of dishes to serve with macaroni salad

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    Creamy macaroni salad with tuna is the perfect side dish for family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and potlucks.

    It's loaded with tender tuna, red onion, celery, red bell pepper, peas, cheddar cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and elbow macaroni.

    And the creamy dressing comes together with mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle relish, Dijon, lemon juice, and dill. You can get the full tuna macaroni salad recipe here.

    tuna macaroni salad on a white plate with potato chips

    It's so hearty and delicious, it could easily be a meal in itself. But where's the fun in that?

    I asked top bloggers from across the globe to share their best dishes to eat with macaroni salad and they pulled out all the stops.

    Take a spin through their go-to recipes like chicken wraps, grilled chicken, hot dogs, fruit salad, and veggie kabobs, as well as our own family favorite recipes to serve with classic macaroni salad.

    What to Eat with Macaroni Salad

    1

    Easy Fruit Salad Recipe

    Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

    This Easy Fruit Salad Recipe is made with fresh, ripe fruit and drizzled with a light orange juice dressing. Ready in under 20 minutes and made with no added sugars, this is the very best fruit salad to enjoy all summer long for breakfast, dinner, or dessert!

    2

    Veggie Kabobs With Halloumi

    Photo Credit: nourishplate.com

    These grilled veggie kabobs with halloumi are so delicious, flavorful, and very easy to make! A nice healthy side dish that is also a great way to get kids to ask for more veggies!

    3

    Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joe Recipe

    This Chicken Gumbo Sloppy Joe recipe is a fun twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich. The savory ground beef in a zesty sauce is an easy weeknight main dish you can have ready in under a half hour.

    4

    Cheeseburger Sliders

    Photo Credit: www.lovefromtheoven.com

    Cheeseburger Sliders are here just in time to elevate your summer pool party and satisfy your burger craving. Juicy slider patties are topped with melted cheese and pressed between soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls. We especially love them with French fries!

    5

    Dutch Oven Pulled Pork

    Photo Credit: quichemygrits.com

    This southern classic Pulled Pork is juicy and tender and just screams for a great side dish like delicious macaroni salad or potato salad.

    6

    English Pea Salad

    English Pea Salad is a delightfully simple, creamy side dish with tender sweet peas, ham, cubes of cheese, and the perfect amount of ranch flavor.

    7

    Grilled chicken wraps with mango and spicy mayo

    Photo Credit: www.thetastychilli.com

    Mango chicken wraps loaded with grilled chicken strips, sweet mango, crunchy cucumbers, and juicy tomatoes, served with fresh cilantro and a dollop of homemade spicy mayo are a great addition to any summer BBQ. 

    8

    Air Fryer Asparagus

    Photo Credit: simplyscrumptiouseats.com

    Perfectly cooked Air Fryer Asparagus is an easy, simple side dish. A drizzle of oil, black pepper, a garlic spread mixture, and parmesan make the asparagus slightly crispy and incredibly delicious.

    9

    Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Ribs

    Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Ribs are perfectly fork tender and succulent, slathered in a rich and zesty Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce. The bold flavors of the sauce pair perfectly with a creamy dish like homemade macaroni salad.

    10

    Apple Kale Slaw (No Mayo)

    Apple Kale Slaw is full of colorful veggies and fresh fruit tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s still crunchy the next day, so it’s a great make ahead option for your picnic or weekday lunches.

    11

    Grilled Beer Brats

    Photo Credit: ourlovelanguageisfood.com

    A good old fashioned Wisconsin beer brat takes any summer meal, barbeque, or party to the next level! Top with mustard, raw onions, sauerkraut, and horseradish for even more deliciousness!

    12

    Best Mexican Street Corn Recipe (Elotes)

    Photo Credit: brokebankvegan.com

    Mexican street corn (aka elotes) features grilled corn covered in Mexican crema, cotija cheese, and chile-lime seasoning. Nothing hits the spot quite like the sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors of this vegan version!

    13

    Monte Cristo in a Waffle Maker

    Photo Credit: culturedtable.com

    This waffled Monte Cristo recipe puts a fun spin on this classic ham sandwich. It pairs well with macaroni salad for the perfect family friendly lunch or dinner option.

    14

    Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes (slow roasted)

    Photo Credit: getonmyplate.com

    These air fryer roasted cherry tomatoes are like sweet heaven in one small bite! Fresh, super sweet and full of flavor, there are endless ways to use these tomatoes – from a healthy side dish, to pasta salads and even on delicious bruschetta!

    15

    Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers

    Photo Credit: apaigeofpositivity.com

    These burgers are filled with zesty ranch flavoring and bites of crumbly feta cheese. They're a great source of protein, and fabulous piled high with toppings on a toasted bun.

    16

    Fresh Watermelon Salad with Corn and Mango

    Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

    This Fresh Watermelon Salad with Corn and Mango is the perfect solution to any summer potluck or BBQ dilemma. Made with fresh summer produce and tossed in fresh lime juice, pair this vibrant watermelon salad with all your grilled summertime favorite dishes like chicken and shrimp.

    17

    Air Fryer Frozen Hamburgers

    Frozen Hamburgers in the air fryer are juicy, flavorful burgers you can make in about 15 minutes. Serve with Copycat Big Mac sauce, Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries, and creamy pasta salad for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

    18

    California Club Croissant Sandwich

    Photo Credit: www.ihearteating.com

    This California Club Croissant Sandwich recipe makes a quick and easy lunch or dinner with three types of lunch meat and two types of cheese in one flavorful sandwich! Delicious with a side of macaroni salad or broccoli slaw!

    19

    Cucumber Pico de Gallo

    This simple fresh Cucumber pico de gallo salsa is overflowing with the vibrant flavors of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, jalapeno, lime, and garlic. So delicious you’ll want to put it on everything!

    20

    Amazing Chipotle Chicken Wrap Recipe

    Photo Credit: kidtestedrecipes.com

    Marinated chicken, turkey bacon, and chipotle sauce are the perfect combination for this kid-friendly and incredibly delicious wrap.

    21

    Zesty Quinoa Salad

    This Zesty Quinoa Salad makes an easy and delicious grilling side dish, potluck salad, or meal prep lunch. Loaded with quinoa, wild rice, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zippy lime vinaigrette, you’ll definitely want a second helping of this healthy salad.

    22

    Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak

    Photo Credit: princesspinkygirl.com

    Just one bite of these tender and cheesy steak-filled sandwiches will make you feel like you're in Philly! Pair them with a delicious side dish like macaroni salad, and you’ve got an easy picnic meal.

    23

    Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad

    Our Mediterranean orzo salad is a bright and flavorful side dish full of artichokes, kalamata olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese tossed in a lemon pesto mayo dressing. It’s always a hit at a summer BBQ or picnic.

    24

    Crispy Buffalo Chicken Thighs

    Photo Credit: thedizzycook.com

    A cast iron pan is all it takes to get these Buffalo Chicken Thighs get nice and crispy -- no flour! Quick and easy weeknight dinner filled with lots of yummy buffalo flavor.

    25

    Crispy Baked Thin Chicken Breasts

    Thin-Sliced Chicken Breasts with panko breading are oven baked, crispy on the outside, and flavorful and juicy on the inside. Great recipe you can make in about 20 minutes.

    26

    Grilled Steak & Veggie Kabobs

    Photo Credit: bitzngiggles.com

    Colorful kabobs are skewered with zesty marinated steak and fresh vegetables, then grilled to perfection. Fun family favorite dinner served on a stick!

    27

    Crispy Keto Air Fryer Fish Sticks

    Photo Credit: how2doketo.com

    Does it get any better than crispy fish sticks and cold pasta salad? Sure it does! These keto air fryer fish sticks are even healthier than their fried counterparts and just as delicious.

    28

    Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs

    Photo Credit: www.kimschob.com

    This easy slow cooker Peach BBQ chicken thighs with a cayenne pepper kick makes a delicious and easy meal that will have your friends and family begging for more.

    29

    The Best Grilled Chicken Tenders

    Photo Credit: nourishplate.com

    Grilled chicken tenders are marinated in a flavorful marinade and grilled on an outdoor grill or a grill pan. Delicious and easy recipe to enjoy with macaroni salad!

    30

    Smoked Brisket Flat

    Photo Credit: smellslikedelish.com

    Smoked brisket flat sounds difficult but it's actually easy to make and absolutely delicious! It makes a great main course for both hot and cold side dishes.

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    Hi, I'm Cara!

    I love sharing easy, delicious everyday recipes from the heartland.

    Whether you're looking for a fast and easy dinner recipe, something yummy for a potluck or holiday gathering, or just a little inspiration, I hope you'll find something you love here.

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