Macaroni Coleslaw Salad

I first made this macaroni coleslaw salad for my family’s Fourth of July burger spread, and it quickly became an instant classic that everyone keeps requesting. The recipe, submitted by Sandra Matteson of Westhope, North Dakota, combines crisp coleslaw with tender macaroni, fresh green bell peppers, celery, cucumber, onion and water chestnuts in a simple, homemade dressing.

This coleslaw pasta salad is cool and colorful, with an irresistible mix of creamy and crunchy textures. It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge, which means it’s a perfect make-ahead option for potlucks, picnics and any other summer gatherings. If you love chilled pasta salads, you’ll want to try this one.

Macaroni Coleslaw Salad Ingredients

• Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for pasta salad, but other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells or mini farfalle also work well. These bite-sized shapes are easier to eat. They hold the creamy dressing, and don’t overwhelm the veggies.
• Coleslaw mix: A bag of shredded coleslaw mix is a time-saving shortcut that adds crisp texture and a pop of color without the need for extra chopping. For the prettiest presentation, choose a mix that includes both red and green cabbage.
• Vegetables: A crunchy mix of fresh onions, celery, cucumber and green bell peppers adds freshness, a savory aroma and texture to the salad. Finely chopping the vegetables ensures even bites and keeps any one flavor from overpowering the pasta. If raw onion is too strong for your tastes, soak it in salt water to mellow the flavor, or swap in milder sliced green onions.
• Water chestnuts: Canned water chestnuts are something of a secret ingredient. They add a light, refreshing crunch and stay crisp even after chilling. Don’t have any in your pantry? No worries. I’ve forgotten to buy them, and the salad is still tasty without them.
• Miracle Whip: Sweeter and spicier than regular mayonnaise, Miracle Whip forms the creamy base of the macaroni coleslaw salad dressing. For a richer, tangier flavor, you can substitute a good-quality mayonnaise.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar adds just enough sweetness to balance the tangy dressing and mellow the sharpness of the vinegar and onions. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
• Cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar delivers bright, fruity acidity that keeps the salad tasting light, fresh and well-balanced.

Directions

Step 1: Cook and cool the pasta

Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain the pasta through a colander, then rinse it under cold water until it’s completely cool.

Editor’s Tip: Rinsing is key to a perfect chilled pasta salad. It prevents the pasta from sticking together, keeps the vegetables crisp, and helps the dressing coat rather than be absorbed. Be sure to shake off excess water before tossing everything together.

Step 2: Add the crunchy vegetables

Transfer the cooled macaroni to a large mixing bowl. Add the coleslaw mix, finely chopped onions, celery, cucumber, green pepper and water chestnuts.

Step 3: Mix the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, sugar, cider vinegar, salt and pepper.

Step 4: Toss everything together, then chill

Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss until pasta and coleslaw mix are well coated. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving.

Editor’s Tip: While you can enjoy this coleslaw pasta salad right away, chilling gives the flavors time to mingle and really brings everything together.

Coleslaw Pasta Salad Variations

• Add protein: Stir in diced ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, flaked tuna or even crispy bacon for a heartier salad that can stand as a complete meal.
• Incorporate something sweet: Add a finely diced apple, well-drained pineapple tidbits or a handful of golden raisins for a pop of sweetness and added texture.
• Play with the seasoning: For a classic deli-style flavor, try adding a spoonful of dill pickle relish to the dressing. A pinch of celery seed enhances the aroma and complements the fresh vegetables, while a touch of cayenne adds a subtle kick to contrast the sweetness.
• Mix up the veggies: Replace the green bell pepper with red or yellow peppers for a sweeter crunch, sliced radishes for a peppery bite, shredded carrots if they’re not already in your coleslaw mix, or green peas for extra color. For a heartier texture and more satisfying crunch, try using a bag of broccoli slaw (made from shredded broccoli stalks) in place of the coleslaw mix.
• Lighten it up: Use half Miracle Whip and half plain Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing that’s still creamy and tangy.

How to Store Macaroni Coleslaw Salad

Keep the macaroni coleslaw salad covered and chilled until it’s time to serve it. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. As it sits, the dressing may settle or soak into the pasta, so give the salad a good stir. If needed, freshen up the texture with an extra spoonful of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise and a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Can you make macaroni coleslaw salad ahead of time?

Yes! Macaroni coleslaw salad is a great make-ahead side dish that actually tastes even better once it’s been chilled. You can prepare it up to three days in advance. Once prepared, cover it or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. Give it a good stir to redistribute any dressing that may have settled to the bottom.

Macaroni Coleslaw Salad Tips

Why is my macaroni coleslaw salad dry?

Macaroni coleslaw salad can seem dry because the pasta continues to absorb dressing even after it’s fully cooked, especially as the salad chills in the refrigerator. For the creamiest texture, make the salad the same day you plan to serve it. If you’re preparing it a day ahead, mix up a little extra dressing and store it separately, then stir it in as needed right before serving it.

Can I use mayonnaise in this macaroni coleslaw salad?

Yep! You can use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip in the dressing. The main difference between regular mayo and Miracle Whip is seasoning, so using mayo will change the flavor slightly, but it’ll still be delicious. I’m not a Miracle Whip fan, so I use mayo every time I make this dish, and my family loves it that way.

Not a fan of mayo? Plain Greek yogurt or even a bottled coleslaw dressing also work well, though each option will change the overall taste and tanginess of the coleslaw pasta salad.

What can I serve macaroni coleslaw salad with?

Macaroni coleslaw salad is a perfect summer side dish that pairs well with picnic and barbecue favorites, and fits right in with other potluck classics like deviled eggs, baked beans and strawberry pretzel salad. I like to serve it alongside juicy grilled cheeseburgers and hot dogs, but it’s also refreshing with tangy pulled pork sandwiches, fried chicken or saucy barbecue ribs.

For an easy make-ahead lunch, I’ve even stirred in shredded rotisserie chicken or canned tuna to turn this coleslaw pasta salad into a satisfying meal.

Watch How to Make Macaroni Coleslaw

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