What to Serve with Macaroni Salad? 13 Best Side Dishes

First, macaroni salad is one of those sides that feels like summer in a bowl. It’s refreshing, creamy, and super versatile.

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:

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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Barbecue Ribs

A tasty rib marinade made with sweet and spicy ingredients, including rum, is poured over baked pork ribs that are grilled until smoky and tender.

Check out this recipe

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 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.

BBQ ribs are just meant to be messy. Who doesn’t enjoy finger-lickin’ fun?

2 – Grilled Chicken Skewers

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Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs – Once Upon a Chef

TESTED & PERFECTED RECIPE – These chicken kabobs are marinated in a blend of yogurt, lemon, garlic and spices, then grilled until golden.

Check out this recipe

Grilled chicken skewers are basically 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.

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. It’s a real crowd pleaser!

3 – Baked Beans

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Our Favorite Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans.

Our absolute favorite baked beans recipe! They are syrupy and loaded with flavors of BBQ sauce, dijon, smoked paprika and chipotle. Delish!

Check out this recipe

Baked beans are like a warm hug on a plate, right? We find them cozy and filling.

They pack protein and fiber. 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.

These beans get better with time. Leftovers? Perfect! Enjoy them with anything.

4 – Corn on the Cob

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Jamie’s Sweet and Easy Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is cooked in boiled water that’s flavored with a little sugar and lemon juice to make the sweetest, quickest, tastiest corn.

Check out this recipe

Corn on the cob is a summer classic. We can’t resist its sweet crunch.

Grilling or boiling brings out its best. 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.

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

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The Best Coleslaw Recipe

This is the best coleslaw recipe! Homemade with a creamy mayo & vinegar dressing, it’s easy to make & perfect on a pulled pork sandwich.

Check out this recipe

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. 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

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Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe

This recipe takes a good deal of time, but it yields a lot of sandwiches, more than enough for a sloppy, spicy dinner party feast You’ll roast a dry-rubbed pork shoulder in the oven until it’s pull-apart tender, 3 or 4 hours that you can spend doing other things while your kitchen fills with the aroma of the cooking meat Then you’ll assemble a quick slaw and simmer a tangy barbecue sauce for about 10 minutes before putting it all out on the table with soft rolls

Check out this recipe

Pulled pork sandwiches are the ultimate cookout food. It’s a juicy, flavorful mess that we can’t get enough of.

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

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Easy Fried Chicken – CJ Eats Recipes

The easiest fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! My 2 step dredging uses a wet batter to save time!

Check out this recipe

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 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

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Watermelon Feta Salad {Easy Summer Side} – Two Peas & Their Pod

This simple watermelon salad made with watermelon, mint, feta cheese, and red onion is the perfect salad for summertime! It is so refreshing!

Check out this recipe

Watermelon feta salad? Yup, it’s a thing. Sweet, juicy watermelon mixes with salty feta for a fresh twist.

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 game changer. Easy, quick, and totally satisfying!

9 – Deviled Eggs

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BEST Deviled Eggs Recipe – How to Make Deviled Eggs | Downshiftology

Deviled eggs are a classic recipe and perfect for the holidays, Easter, potlucks, parties and other gatherings. Here’s my best deviled egg recipe!

Check out this recipe

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! 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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Homestyle Potato Chips

Homemade potato chips? Absolutely! They’re golden, crispy, and delicious, and they smell heavenly. Plus you can use any oil and amount of salt you like.

Check out this recipe

Potato chips are like the unofficial king of snacks. They’re crispy, salty, and downright addictive.

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

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Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a classic Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion tossed in a tart vinaigrette dressing.

Check out this recipe

Cucumber tomato salad: we all need a side that screams fresh! Chop those cucumbers and tomatoes. Toss in some red onion for extra zing.

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

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Garlic Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp is a quintessential summertime grilling recipe! It’s made with the best shrimp marinade and is perfect for your next BBQ.

Check out this recipe

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! Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on these succulent bites.

13 – Garlic Herb Grilled Vegetables

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Garlic Herb Roasted Vegetables

Garlic Herb Roasted Vegetables are that picture perfect side dish to go alongside any main entrée. Loaded with flavor, color and nutrients!

Check out this recipe

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.

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

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.