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May 25, 2021 By Kathryn Donangelo 19 Comments

Healthy Macaroni Salad

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macaroni salad

Last Updated on June 30, 2022 by Kathryn Donangelo

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This Healthy Macaroni Salad is made with a lighter dressing than the classic recipe and has chunks of hard boiled eggs and crisp vegetables! Serve this macaroni salad as a side dish at your next party, bbq or summer picnic! 

PIN Healthy Macaroni Salad to try later!

Macaroni Salad with hard boiled eggs

I especially love this creamy Macaroni Salad because it’s made with all of the classic macaroni salad fixings except it’s a lighter version. This Healthy Macaroni Salad is made with both mayonnaise and Greek yogurt as the base so it’s extra creamy and it still has the classic taste.

The Greek yogurt adds more flavor, tang and creaminess to this salad. You and your guests won’t even believe this version is healthier than the original. Greek yogurt makes the best substitute for mayonnaise in just about any recipe, like my Healthy French Onion Dip. or my Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip.

Hard boiled eggs in a macaroni salad is a must for me! I love how the yolks give the macaroni salad more of a creamy texture and they pair so perfectly with the other ingredients. 

How to make macaroni salad

INGREDIENTS

Elbow macaroni: the short macaroni or the elbow macaroni work well for this recipe. 

Bell peppers: you can use green, red, orange or yellow. Sweet mini bell peppers are also fun to use and it’s gorgeous to have all of the different colors in the salad. They all will work.

Celery: adds so much crunch.

Yellow onion: you could also use white onions. 

Green onions: adds color, crunch and a mild onion flavor.

Paprika: just a few sprinkles for some color and spice on top.

Hard boiled eggs: adds a rich and creamy element to this macaroni salad. 6 eggs is just perfect for this recipe but you can use more or less. 

INGREDIENTS IN MACARONI SALAD DRESSING

  • Greek or nonfat yogurt
  • Mayonnaise
  • White vinegar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Fresh or dried parsley
  • Fresh or dried dill
  • Lemon juice and zest
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt + pepper

HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY MACARONI SALAD

COOK THE NOODLES. Cook the noodles per package and drain in a colander and add to a large mixing bowl.
 
MAKE THE DRESSING. Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients and set aside.
 
MIX ALL INGREDIENTS TOGETHER. Stir in the eggs, bell peppers, celery, yellow onion and green onion until combined. Pour the dressing over the macaroni salad and mix well until combined. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Top the macaroni salad with a few dashes of paprika and then place in the fridge until ready to eat.
 
If you want to add a boost of protein, you can add a can or two of canned tuna to this macaroni salad!
spoon of macaroni salad

WHAT TO SERVE WITH MACARONI SALAD

  • Cilantro Lime Chicken (with avocado salsa)
  • Crock Pot Chicken
  • Dutch Oven Pulled Pork
  • Bacon Spinach Salad
  • Bean Salad
  • Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
  • Copy Cat KFC Coleslaw
  • Italian Pasta Salad
  • Cornbread
healthy macaroni salad in bowl

THIS HEALTHY MACARONI SALAD IS

  • Creamy, packed with crisp veggies and delicious hard boiled egg pieces.
  • Healthier than the original Macaroni Salad recipe and won’t even taste the difference. 
  • Perfect for summer BBQs, picnics or parties! 
  • Super easy to make and takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. You can also prep this macaroni salad the night before. 
delicious macaroni salad

IS MACARONI SALAD HEALTHY?

This Macaroni Salad is a healthier version and has less fat then the original recipe. This recipe is made with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise as opposed to just mayonnaise. I also add more vegetables because I love the crunch and freshness that they bring in every bite.

To make this macaroni salad even healthier, you can use whole wheat, gluten-free or chick-pea based noodles instead.

Another healthy options is you can completely omit the mayonnaise and substitute plain Greek yogurt, you will be shocked at how creamy this is! You can also use 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 3/4 cup of plain yogurt so you still get the classic macaroni salad flavors. 

macaroni salad in a bowl

LEFTOVERS

This Healthy Macaroni Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to give the macaroni salad a stir when you want to enjoy it again to combine all of the flavors that may have transferred to the bottom of the container.

summer macaroni salad

OTHER SUMMER SALAD RECIPES TO TRY

  • Vegetable Herb Pasta Salad
  • Tomato Caprese
  • Greek Salad with Avocado
  • Melon Caprese Salad
  • Healthy Tuna Salad

CAN’T GET ENOUGH?

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Healthy Macaroni Salad

This Healthy Macaroni Salad is made with a lighter dressing than the classic recipe and has chunks of hard boiled eggs and crisp vegetables! Serve this macaroni salad as a side dish at your next party, bbq or summer picnic! 
4.62 from 13 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: mac salad, macaroni salad, side dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Author: Kathryn Donangelo

Ingredients

  • 1 16 oz. box elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup bell peppers; finely diced any color; I love using a trio
  • 1 cup celery; finely diced
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion; finely diced
  • 2 Tbsp. green onions; plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 tsp. paprika
  • 3 Tbsp. hard boiled eggs; roughly chopped

For the dressing

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek or nonfat yogurt
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. fresh or dried parsley
  • 1 tsp. fresh or dried dill
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice plus the zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

  • Cook the noodles per package and drain in a colander and add to a large mixing bowl.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients and set aside.
  • Stir in the eggs, bell peppers, celery, yellow onion and green onion until combined. Pour the dressing over the macaroni salad and mix well until combined. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Top the macaroni salad with a few dashes of paprika and then place in the fridge until ready to eat.
Find Kathryn's Kitchen Blog on Instagram!Mention @Kathryns.Kitchen.Blog or tag #kathrynskitchen!

Notes

  1. This Healthy Macaroni Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to give the macaroni salad a stir when you want to enjoy it again to combine all of the flavors that may have transferred to the bottom of the container.
  2. If you want to add a boost of protein, you can add a can or two of canned tuna to this macaroni salad!

Like this recipe? Then you'll love these:

  • Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
    Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
  • Classic Deviled Eggs
    Classic Deviled Eggs
  • Bacon Spinach Salad
    Bacon Spinach Salad
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Filed Under: 4th of July, Holidays, Lunch, Salads, Side Dishes

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. shasan18@gmail.com'Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

    May 25, 2021 at 6:23 pm

    5 stars
    Macaroni salad is one of my favorite to make for summer backyard parties. I am in love with this vegetable loaded healthier version and can’t wait to make it.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      May 26, 2021 at 10:16 am

      I hope you love this recipe as much as we did! Enjoy 🙂

      Reply
  2. veenaazmanov@veenaazmanov.com'veenaazmanov says

    May 25, 2021 at 7:09 pm

    5 stars
    A lovely salad with all the delicious combinations. Looks colorful and creamy. Love the addition of Tuna enhancing the taste of this salad too. A meal by itself.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      May 26, 2021 at 10:16 am

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  3. allylainee00@gmail.com'Allyssa says

    May 26, 2021 at 3:24 am

    5 stars
    Macaroni salad is my favorite! Thank you so much for sharing your very amazing recipe! It’s yummy and will make it again for sure!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      May 26, 2021 at 10:15 am

      Thank you so much! So glad you loved this macaroni salad!

      Reply
  4. fooddoodles@gmail.com'Alex says

    May 26, 2021 at 11:43 am

    I love that you used Greek yogurt in this! And the healthy spin. Saving this for picnic season!

    Reply
  5. texanerinbaking@gmail.com'Erin says

    May 26, 2021 at 11:48 am

    I bet this is a great way to get kids to eat veggies! I know I’m definitely going to give it a try. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      June 1, 2021 at 3:33 pm

      Oh yes definitely, they will love it- hopefully! 🙂

      Reply
  6. cs.childs@hotmail.com'Cathleen says

    May 26, 2021 at 5:17 pm

    5 stars
    This is my favourite thing to bring to picnics!! But for some reason I have never made it myself. This looks so good, I am definitely going to give it a go this weekend!!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      June 1, 2021 at 3:32 pm

      Thank you Cathleen, I sure hope you got a chance to try this recipe!

      Reply
  7. kushigalu@gmail.com'kushigalu says

    May 30, 2021 at 4:16 am

    5 stars
    This macaroni salad looks so Creamy and delicious. One of the best recipe to try this summer. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      June 1, 2021 at 3:31 pm

      Thank you so much!!

      Reply
  8. simshomekitchen@gmail.com'Jen says

    May 30, 2021 at 3:56 pm

    5 stars
    This macaroni salad recipe is right up my street! It looks so creamy and delicious. I plan to make it for my BBQ next week. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      June 1, 2021 at 3:31 pm

      🙂 I hope you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  9. amy@amycaseycooks.com'Amy Casey says

    May 30, 2021 at 7:43 pm

    5 stars
    I made this delicious salad this weekend and everyone loved it! The yogurt gave it such a nice tangy flavor.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      June 1, 2021 at 3:30 pm

      That is awesome! I’m so glad you tried this recipe and everyone loved it! Thank you 🙂

      Reply
  10. natalie@natalieshealth.com'Natalie says

    May 31, 2021 at 4:56 am

    5 stars
    What a fab idea to use Greek yogurt. Oh, I love this. And my kids going to love this too, I’m sure. I’m making this soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      June 1, 2021 at 3:30 pm

      Thank you so much! The Greek yogurt works so well with this recipe!

      Reply

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