What To Serve With Macaroni Salad: 17 Tasty Side Dishes

Macaroni salad is a classic dish, beloved for its creamy, tangy taste and versatility. Whether you're hosting a picnic, a family dinner, or a casual get-together, choosing the right accompaniments is key to creating a memorable meal.

Here you can find 17 amazing side dishes that pair perfectly with macaroni salad, elevating it from a simple side to a part of a fantastic feast.

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The best side dishes to serve with macaroni salad are chicken wings, chimichurri steak, sloppy Joes, pulled pork, smash burger, baked salmon, zucchini fritters, sausage rolls, corn on the cob, deviled eggs, grilled vegetables, fried chicken, Caprese salad, BBQ ribs, garlic shrimp, potato skins, and bruschetta.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a crowd-pleaser that goes wonderfully with macaroni salad. Their crispy exterior and juicy interior, combined with a variety of sauces from spicy to sweet, offer a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor. Whether you bake, grill, or fry them, chicken wings add a hearty and satisfying element to your meal, making it more enjoyable and complete.

2. Chimichurri Steak

Chimichurri steak brings a burst of bold flavors to the table. The steak's juicy, tender texture, complemented by the fresh, herby zing of chimichurri sauce, makes it an excellent counterpart to the creamy macaroni salad. The bright notes of parsley, garlic, and vinegar in the chimichurri cut through the richness of the salad, balancing the dish beautifully.

3. Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are a fun and flavorful option. This American classic, with its savory and slightly sweet ground beef filling, tucked inside soft buns, pairs nicely with the cool, creamy texture of macaroni salad. It’s a combination that’s both comforting and delicious, making for a casual yet satisfying meal that's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

4. Pulled Pork

Pulled pork, tender and packed with flavor, is a fantastic choice to serve alongside macaroni salad. The slow-cooked, succulent pork, usually smothered in a tangy barbecue sauce, offers a delicious contrast to the salad's mild flavors. It's a match made in heaven for those who love a combination of sweet, savory, and creamy in their meals.

5. Smash Burger

A smash burger, with its crispy edges and juicy center, is a wonderful companion to macaroni salad. The simplicity of a well-seasoned beef patty, topped with your favorite cheese and sandwiched in a soft bun, complements the salad without overpowering it. This pairing is perfect for a relaxed, outdoor meal or a cozy dinner at home.

6. Baked Salmon

Baked salmon, with its delicate, buttery texture and rich flavor, is a healthier option that pairs beautifully with macaroni salad. The lightness of the salmon contrasts nicely with the dense, creamy salad, offering a balanced and sophisticated addition to your meal. Season the salmon with herbs and lemon for a refreshing touch.

7. Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters are a delightful vegetarian option. These crispy, savory pancakes made from grated zucchini, flour, and eggs are a tasty way to add vegetables to your meal. They offer a lovely crunch and a mild, pleasing flavor that complements the creamy macaroni salad, making your meal both varied and enjoyable.

8. Sausage Rolls

Sausage rolls are a delightful and easy-to-make addition. The savory flavor of the sausage, wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry, is a crowd-pleaser. These rolls can be made bite-sized for a light complement or larger for a more filling option. The rich taste and satisfying texture of sausage rolls pair wonderfully with the creamy and cool macaroni salad, adding a nice contrast to your meal.

9. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a summertime favorite that goes great with macaroni salad. The sweet, juicy kernels, especially when grilled or boiled and brushed with butter, offer a simple yet delicious taste. It's a side that's not only easy to prepare but also adds a burst of sweetness and a bit of crunch, balancing out the creamy texture of the salad.

10. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic and elegant side dish. With their creamy, tangy filling and sprinkle of paprika, they're both delicious and visually appealing. They add a sophisticated touch to your meal and their rich flavor complements the lightness of macaroni salad, making for a delightful combination.

11. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a healthy and colorful addition. Choose a variety like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, grill them until they have nice char marks, and season simply. The smokiness and natural sweetness of the veggies offer a great contrast to the creamy salad, adding both flavor and nutrition to your meal.

12. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken, with its crispy exterior and juicy interior, is a comforting and satisfying choice. The crunchiness of the chicken contrasts nicely with the smooth macaroni salad, creating a delightful texture combination. Plus, it's a beloved dish that's sure to please a crowd.

13. Caprese Salad

Caprese salad, with its fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, is a light and refreshing option. The simplicity and freshness of this salad offer a nice balance to the richer macaroni salad, making your meal feel more complete and varied.

14. BBQ Ribs

BBQ ribs, sticky and full of flavor, are a fantastic match for macaroni salad. The tangy and sweet barbecue sauce on the ribs complements the creamy salad perfectly. It’s a combination that screams summer and is ideal for outdoor gatherings.

15. Garlic Shrimp

Garlic shrimp, quick to prepare and packed with flavor, is an excellent choice. The garlic and butter flavors, along with the lightness of the shrimp, offer a delightful contrast to the macaroni salad, adding a touch of elegance to your meal.

16. Bruschetta

Bruschetta, with its toasted bread topped with a mixture of tomatoes, garlic, and basil, is a simple yet flavorful side. The freshness and slight crunch of bruschetta provide a nice contrast to the creamy macaroni salad, adding a touch of Italian flair to your meal.

17. Potato Skins

Potato skins, loaded with cheese, bacon, and a dollop of sour cream, are a hearty and indulgent option. They add a fun and flavorful element to your meal, and their crispy texture is a great match for the smooth salad.