Fresh Ideas for Macaroni Salad + Toss-In Ideas

Fresh Ideas for Macaroni Salad + Toss-In IdeasPreparing a big bowl of freshly prepared macaroni salad is an American tradition at family get-together’s across the nation.  If you are tired of the same old boring macaroni salad, we have some fresh toss-in ideas for you.

* Chopped Pickles
* Whole or Chopped Olives
* Peeled Baby Cooked Shrimp
* Cooked Crab Meat
* Cooked Scallops
* Shredded Clam
* Flaked Tuna Fish
* Shredded Chicken
* Shredded Turkey
* Cubed Cooked Ham
* Crumbled Cooked Bacon
* Chopped Broccoli Florets
* Chopped Onions
* Chopped or Shredded Carrots
* Chopped Celery
* Sliced or Chopped Mushrooms
* Chopped or Minced Onions
* Minced Garlic
* Whole or Diced Cherry Tomatoes
* Chopped Peppers (any variety)
* Diced Cooked Potatoes
* Diced or Sliced Hard Boiled Eggs

Spice up that macaroni salad by tossing in a few of the additional ingredients above. You can add as much or as little of each chosen ingredient.  When adding in additional ingredients you might have to increase the dressing that you use due to the additional ingredients soaking it up. If so, increase them just slightly and play around with the recipe until you get it just right. Always chill your macaroni salad for several hours before serving.

* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site. Thank you!

shellysig100x60

Comments

  1. I love pasta salads of any kind I like to use Italian dressing in mine sometimes to add a little zing! Thanks for the great ideas!

  2. I enjoy pasta salads and was excited when I saw this post!! I found some new ideas for add-ins, some that I have hanging around and never thought to add to pasta salad! Thanks!

  3. I remember my aunt making macaroni salad when I was a little girl. This salad is always a favorite my my family & our household! I love to add fresh & crispy healthy items that give it pizzazz without allot of calories! You have some fantastic & yummy ideas above!! Great for Spring & Summer in Arizona!

  4. Jo-Ann Brightman says

    There are a lot of good ideas here for additions to macaroni salad. If you have any left over meat such as brisket that would be another good addition.

  5. I love Macaroni Salad, and there are a lot of great healthy items in this list for me to try. I am going to try some bacon and celery next time I make it!

  6. Cheryl Free says

    Great list of add-ons. I’m definitely going to try some of them.

  7. I don’t like any kind of pasta salad. I’d gladly put most of those in a regular salad.

  8. Okay now I am super hungry for some macaroni salad. I love all of these great toss in ideas especially the seafood I have got to try that. The shrimp and scallops sound wonderful thanks for sharing this one.

  9. Yum! I love macaroni salads. They are yummy with cubed ham, mozzarella cheese and a little Italian dressing!

  10. Such good ideas. I love adding celery to things…I never thought about pasta. Thanks for the tips.

  11. And sun-dried tomatoes too! They’re great with pastas!