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Great Grandma Lenon's Macaroni Salad

This creamy old-fashioned macaroni salad is packed with eggs, celery, olives, green pepper, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed in a generous amount of Miracle Whip. A longtime family favorite, it's perfect for potlucks, picnics, holidays, and backyard cookouts. Making it ahead allows the flavors to blend beautifully for an even better salad the next day.

Contributor: Grandma Lenon
Great Grandma Lenon's Macaroni Salad

Prep

25 min

Cook

10 min

Temp

N/A

Yield

10 servings

Ingredients

  • Salad
  • 8 ounces salad macaroni
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 small can chopped black olives
  • 4 celery stalks, diced
  • 8 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup Miracle Whip, plus additional as needed after chilling
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional
  • 1 (4-ounce) can shrimp, drained

Instructions

  1. Step 1
    1

    Cook the macaroni. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Allow it to cool completely.

  2. Step 2
    2

    Prepare the ingredients. Chop the celery, hard-boiled eggs, green pepper, and green onions. Drain the olives and optional shrimp. Set the tomatoes aside for later.

  3. Step 3
    3

    Combine the salad. In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, olives, celery, eggs, green pepper, green onions, and optional shrimp. Add 1 cup Miracle Whip and season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Step 4
    4

    Chill overnight. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to blend.

  5. Step 5
    5

    Refresh the salad. Stir the salad and add additional Miracle Whip if needed. Fold in the chopped tomatoes just before serving.

  6. Step 6
    6

    Serve. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

  • Add Cheese – Mix in 1 cup of cubed cheddar cheese for a heartier salad with extra richness.
  • Sweet Pea Version – Add 1 cup of thawed frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness.
  • Diced Ham – Stir in 1–2 cups of diced ham to turn this side dish into a satisfying main course.
  • Dill Pickle Version – Add ½–1 cup chopped dill pickles for extra crunch and tang.
  • Deli-Style Macaroni Salad – Replace half of the Miracle Whip with mayonnaise for a less sweet, more traditional deli-style flavor.
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