Just like ham, this gives your dish more saltiness too. Bacon bits – It’s impossible to say no to bacon bits! If you want some crunch in your salad, you’re really going to enjoy this add-in.Diced ham – Another protein you can add to your macaroni salad is ham! If you want more satiness, this is the way to go.Grated carrots – For more color and extra sweetness, try adding grated or diced carrots! This is also another great topper to make your dish look even more appetizing.Hard-boiled eggs – You can always use just a bite more protein in your meal so why not try adding some diced hard-boiled eggs?.Cheese – Who doesn’t love a little extra cheese on top of a dish right? Try topping off your macaroni salad with diced cheddar or parmesan! You can even add it in your dressing to make sure every bite is deliciously cheesy.We all love a classic recipe, but if you want to give grandma’s macaroni salad a little twist of your own, here are some delicious add-ins you can try! Make your macaroni salad extra pretty by adding a few bits of chopped red and green pepper on top! Macaroni Salad Add-Ins Here’s a trick you can use if you want to impress your guests. This not only ensures that it’s cool when served, but your ingredients will also have time to blend together for an even better tasting macaroni salad! If you can, make this the night before and keep your macaroni chilled overnight. The best way to enjoy macaroni is when it’s cold! It’s recommended to keep it in the fridge for at least a few hours before serving. When it’s cooked, drain thoroughly and let it cool down to room temperature before mixing it in with the wet ingredients. You’re going to want the macaroni to be coated in dressing so make sure the pasta can hold it’s shape and not get mushy. Nobody likes soggy pasta! You want your macaroni al dente so make sure to boil it for no more than 9 minutes. Tips & Tricks For the Best Macaroni Saladįor the best macaroni salad to enjoy as a side dish or on it’s own, follow these tips and tricks! Ground black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper always has better flavor!.

Salt – You can adjust the amount of salt you use.Prepared mustard – You can use regular yellow mustard but if you want a stronger, tangier dressing, go for Dijon mustard.

Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness of the dressing to create that perfect balance of creamy but slightly tangy.If you want your dressing extra creamy, go for whole egg mayonnaise! Mayonnaise – Mayo is what makes up most of the dressing so be sure to use good quality mayonnaise! If you want something slightly sweet, use regular mayonnaise.Chopped onion – Red onion works best for this recipe but if it’s too strong for you, you can also use white onion.Chopped red bell pepper – Red and green bell pepper tastes very similar but using both adds so much more color and flavor.If you love the taste of bell peppers, chop them bigger for more bite! Chopped green bell pepper – Just like celery, this will add a bit of crunch to your salad.When buying celery, check that the leaves aren’t wilted and that they are a bright green color.

Chopped celery – Be sure to use celery that is fresh, firm, and crisp.

Elbow macaroni (cooked and drained) – For perfectly cooked macaroni, make sure to bring your water to a boil first before adding the pasta.

If you’re ready to make Grandma’s Macaroni Salad, gather up all your ingredients.

Best ever easy macaroni salad