First, macaroni salad is one of those sides that feels like summer in a bowl (a cold pasta salad made with elbow macaroni and a mayonnaise-based dressing).
We've all had that moment at a cookout, staring at a platter of salads, and mac salad always calls our name.
It's great on its own, but let's be real; pairing it up with the right dish takes it to another level.
Ever tried it with grilled meats or tasty veggie skewers? Those flavors just vibe together.
We're here to dish out some solid suggestions for what to serve alongside macaroni salad that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
So grab your forks, and let's make those plates pop!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Macaroni Salad
Here are some ideas to get you started on your macaroni salad pairing journey:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| BBQ Ribs | Pork ribs, BBQ sauce, spices | Smoky, sweet | Medium | 2 hrs |
| Grilled Chicken Skewers | Chicken, bell peppers, onions | Savory, smoky | Medium | 30 mins |
| Baked Beans | Beans, brown sugar, bacon | Sweet, smoky | Medium | 1 hr |
| Corn on the Cob | Corn, butter, salt | Sweet, buttery | Easy | 15 mins |
| Coleslaw | Cabbage, carrots, mayo | Tangy, creamy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Pulled Pork Sandwiches | Pork, BBQ sauce, buns | Savory, tangy | Medium | 6-8 hrs |
| Fried Chicken | Chicken, flour, spices | Crispy, savory | Medium | 45 mins |
| Watermelon Feta Salad | Watermelon, feta, mint | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Deviled Eggs | Eggs, mayo, mustard | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Potato Chips | Potatoes, oil, salt | Crispy, salty | Easy | 25 mins |
| Cucumber Tomato Salad | Cucumbers, tomatoes, vinegar, herbs | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Shrimp Skewers | Shrimp, garlic, lemon, herbs | Savory, citrusy | Medium | 20 mins |
| Garlic Herb Grilled Vegetables | Mixed vegetables, garlic, herbs | Savory, herby | Easy | 25 mins |
These dishes are selected to complement macaroni salad, providing a range of flavors from smoky and savory to fresh and tangy, perfect for a BBQ or picnic setting.
1 - BBQ Ribs
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BBQ ribs are a summer staple. Who can resist that smoky, tender goodness?
We should all know these bad boys need low and slow cooking (225-250°F for 3-5 hours) for awesome results.
Sauce makes a huge difference. Sweet, tangy, or spicy; pick your vibe when slathering it on.
Personal tip: keep an eye on the grill. Charred ribs? No thanks!
Don't skimp on sides. Coleslaw and cornbread round things out perfectly; find more BBQ chicken side ideas.
BBQ ribs are just meant to be messy. Who doesn't enjoy finger-lickin' fun?
2 - Grilled Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are the life of the party, right? They're super easy to make and always a hit at gatherings.
We can marinate them in any sauce we fancy (try a 1:1 oil-to-acid ratio for balanced flavor).
Teriyaki, BBQ, or something spicy? The choice is ours.
Skewering makes them perfect for grilling. No one likes searching for a plate while juggling a piece of chicken!
Get those grill marks just right. Overcooked chicken is a disappointment.
Pair these with some tasty dipping sauces; also consider sides for grilled salmon.
3 - Baked Beans
Baked beans are like a warm hug on a plate, right? We find them cozy and filling.
They pack protein and fiber (roughly 7-10 g protein and 5-8 g fiber per ½ cup). An excellent combo for any meal.
These little beans can be sweet or savory. Honey, maple syrup, or BBQ sauce works like magic.
We appreciate homemade versions but store-bought saves time, too.
Top with crispy bacon or a sprinkle of cheese for a twist.
Enjoy them with anything; find more baked beans side ideas.
4 - Corn on the Cob
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Corn on the cob is a summer classic. We can't resist its sweet crunch.
Grilling or boiling brings out its best (try grilling 10-15 minutes over medium-high heat). A sprinkle of salt is essential.
Add butter for a tasty finish. We've all seen those buttered-up pictures.
Toppings can get wild. Cheese, chili powder, or anything we fancy; see Mexican street corn side pairings.
Leftovers? Just cut off those kernels. Toss them in salads or salsas.
It's all about making those flavors pop. Corn on the cob is simple and fun!
5 - Coleslaw
Coleslaw is that crunchy, tangy side we all need at cookouts. It's a cool companion to hot foods.
Shredded cabbage and carrots are the basics (usually green or Napa cabbage). We can kick it up with spices or fruits.
Creamy or vinegar-based dressings? There's no wrong choice.
It balances flavors well.
Chilling it beforehand is key. We don't want warm slaw, right?
Storing leftovers? It gets better overnight.
Pair it with barbecue for a classic combo.
6 - Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork sandwiches are the ultimate cookout food. It's a juicy, flavorful mess that we can't get enough of (often made from pork shoulder or Boston butt).
We like it with BBQ sauce and coleslaw on top. That crunch makes all the difference.
The best part? You don't need fancy equipment to make this!
Just let your slow cooker or instant pot do the heavy lifting.
Serve it up with macaroni salad for a perfect combo. Enjoy messy bites!
7 - Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a classic that we can all agree makes any meal instantly better. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside-what's not to love?
We can switch things up with different spice blends (try about 1 tablespoon seasoning per 2 lbs chicken). Try a little chili powder or garlic for fun.
Leftovers? They're amazing cold or warmed up!
Pair it with a biscuit, and we've hit the comfort food jackpot.
Enjoying it with macaroni salad? That combo is unbeatable!
Get ready for a finger-lickin' good time.
8 - Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon feta salad? Yup, it's a thing.
Sweet, juicy watermelon mixes with salty feta for a fresh twist (try seedless watermelon and sheep's milk feta).
We can toss in mint or basil for an herb kick. Crunchy red onion adds a zing.
The balance is where the magic happens.
We recommend chilling it beforehand. Cold salad on a hot day? Amazing!
Need extra flair? Drizzle some balsamic glaze on top.
It's a useful. Easy, quick, and totally satisfying!
9 - Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs: can we agree they're the classic party starter? They're creamy, tangy, and super easy to whip up.
A touch of paprika on top gives them that pop! (smoked paprika adds warmth) We can experiment with fillings, too.
Bacon bits?
Yes, please!
These beauties are best served chilled. Prep them ahead of time to make your life easier.
Don't forget to quarter them for appetizers. One bite is never enough, so have extras ready.
Perfect for picnics and potlucks!
10 - Potato Chips
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Potato chips are like the unofficial king of snacks. They're crispy, salty, and downright addictive (Russet potatoes work great for frying).
Here's the scoop: they pair amazing with everything. From sandwiches to dips, they fit right in.
We prefer baked chips for a lighter crunch, but classic fried ones still hit the spot.
A sprinkle of seasoning can jazz them up. Spice it up with ranch or chili powder for fun.
Crushed chips also make a great topping. Try them on casseroles or salads for that extra crunch!
11 - Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cucumber tomato salad: we all need a side that screams fresh! Chop those cucumbers and tomatoes.
Toss in some red onion for extra zing (thinly sliced to reduce sharpness).
We can drizzle olive oil and a splash of vinegar for a quick dressing. Let's not forget the herbs.
Fresh basil or parsley takes it to another level.
This salad is perfect for summer picnics. It's refreshing and super easy to whip up.
Just remember: salt draws out moisture, so add it right before serving!
12 - Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp skewers are a seafood lover's dream. Grilled to perfection, they're juicy and full of flavor.
We can marinate them in garlic butter or lemon herb sauce for a tasty kick. Don't forget the lime wedges for that tangy touch!
These are great as an appetizer or served with rice and veggies for a complete meal.
Make sure to soak the skewers beforehand so they don't burn on the grill (soak wooden skewers 30 minutes)! Trust us, you won't want to miss out on these juicy bites.
13 - Garlic Herb Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are the perfect way to add some color and nutrition to any cookout.
We love throwing a variety of veggies on the grill, like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Marinating them in garlic herb sauce takes them to another level (try rosemary, thyme, and olive oil).
They can be served as a side or even as a vegetarian option for burgers or sandwiches.
Leftovers? Toss them into pasta or top them on pizza for a delicious twist!
Veggies never tasted so good.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
