The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor: Grain Mustard

While some might consider it a secret, the key to my macaroni salad’s distinctive and vibrant flavor is the generous addition of grain mustard. If you have a keen eye, you might even spot the delightful little mustard seeds popping through the dressing in the photos! I simply adore the texture and gentle tang that grain mustard brings. Its tiny seeds burst in your mouth, releasing a mellow, yet profound, mustardy note that elevates the entire dish. To complement this, I also incorporate a touch of classic Dijon mustard, adding a smoother, sharper element to the dressing. This dual-mustard approach creates a depth of flavor that is truly unparalleled.

Many macaroni salads stick to basic yellow mustard or just Dijon, but the grain mustard adds an unexpected layer of complexity. It harmonizes beautifully with the savory chicken and the slight bite of fresh onion, making each spoonful a delightful culinary adventure. Don’t be shy with it – it’s what makes this recipe stand out!

Eggs: A Non-Negotiable for Homestyle Macaroni Salad

For me, hard-boiled eggs are an absolute must in any homemade macaroni or potato salad. I truly believe they are almost mandatory, providing a foundational creaminess and richness that defines a classic “homestyle” salad. While I appreciate a good deli-style macaroni salad, which often omits eggs in favor of ingredients like carrots, for this recipe, eggs are paramount.

If you’ve explored my other macaroni and potato salad recipes, you’ll notice a common thread: a base of mayonnaise, mustard, and eggs. Some might call it a predictable pattern, but I call it a winning formula! The eggs bind the ingredients, add a wonderful texture, and contribute to that comforting, familiar taste we all crave in a traditional cold salad. They truly make the salad feel more substantial and satisfying.

Choosing Your Chicken: White Meat for Perfect Moisture

When it comes to the chicken, I highly recommend opting for white meat. While white meat sometimes gets a bad rap for being dry, in a creamy salad like this, it’s absolutely ideal. The rich mayonnaise-based dressing works wonders to moisten it up, ensuring every bite is succulent and flavorful. This takes away any concern about dryness, making it a safe and universally pleasing choice.

I often use roasted chicken for this recipe, and yes, I keep the skin on during the roasting process for maximum flavor and juiciness. Once cooled, you can easily remove the skin if you prefer, but the roasting with the skin on helps keep the meat tender. Two cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced, provides the perfect protein component, complementing the macaroni and vegetables beautifully without overpowering the delicate flavors of the dressing.

Crafting the Creamy Dressing

The heart of any great macaroni salad is its dressing, and ours is no exception. It’s a simple yet powerful blend that ties all the ingredients together into a harmonious symphony of flavor. In a bowl, we combine the luscious creaminess of mayonnaise with the sharp acidity of white vinegar, which brightens the entire dish. Then come our star mustards: the smooth, piquant Dijon and the delightfully textured grain mustard, each contributing their unique characteristics.

A touch of sugar balances the acidity and mustard’s bite, adding a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile. Finally, a good seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper is crucial to enhance all these delicious components. Whisking all these ingredients together creates a smooth, emulsified dressing that clings perfectly to the macaroni and chicken, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.

Putting It All Together: A Symphony of Textures and Flavors

Once your macaroni is cooked to al dente perfection, rinsed under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking, and thoroughly drained, it’s time to bring all the elements together. Combine the macaroni with the chopped hard-boiled eggs, shredded or diced cooked chicken, and finely minced shallots. Then, gently fold in that exquisite creamy dressing. Ensure everything is well incorporated, so every strand of macaroni and every piece of chicken is coated in the delicious sauce.

Finally, stir in the vibrant green peas. These add a touch of color, sweetness, and a lovely pop of texture. A final taste test for seasoning is important – adjust salt and pepper as needed. For an extra touch of freshness and a mild oniony kick, garnish with chopped scallions just before serving. The result is a macaroni chicken salad that is not only incredibly delicious but also visually appealing.

Macaroni Chicken Salad Recipe

4.75 from 4 votes

Macaroni Chicken Salad

By Julie Maestre

There’s a hidden secret in this recipe: grain mustard. It’s an added unexpected flavor that mellows out the chicken salad with the onions, giving it a fresh taste.

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Total: 30 mins

Servings: 8 servings

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Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayo
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp grain mustard
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 4 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 tbsp scallions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup green peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to packaging instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped hard-boiled eggs, cooked chicken, minced shallots, mayonnaise, grain mustard, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, and sugar. Mix until well combined and creamy.
3. Add the cooled and drained macaroni to the mixture. Gently fold until the macaroni is evenly coated with the dressing and all ingredients are incorporated.
4. Stir in the green peas. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped scallions if desired before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

• Calories: 506 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 119mg
• Sodium: 282mg
• Potassium: 275mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Vitamin A: 235 IU
• Vitamin C: 4.1mg
• Calcium: 33mg
• Iron: 1.8mg

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Course: Side

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 506

Keyword: Chicken Macaroni Salad, Macaroni Chicken Salad, Macaroni Salad with Chicken

Tips for the Perfect Macaroni Chicken Salad

• Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Cook your elbow macaroni al dente. Mushy pasta will result in a soggy salad. Rinsing under cold water immediately after draining also helps stop the cooking process and prevents the pasta from clumping together.
• Chill Thoroughly: For the best flavor and texture, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and develop, and the pasta time to absorb the dressing. Overnight chilling is even better!
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh, good-quality mayonnaise and sharp, flavorful mustards. Freshly minced shallots provide a milder, sweeter onion flavor than raw white onion, but you can adjust to your preference.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper after mixing everything. The flavors will deepen as it chills, so you might need a final touch before serving.
• Cooked Chicken Options: Leftover roasted chicken works wonderfully here. If you don’t have roasted chicken, boiled or pan-fried chicken breast, shredded or diced, will also work. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and cooled before adding to the salad.

Variations and Customizations

This creamy chicken macaroni salad recipe is fantastic as is, but it also serves as an excellent base for various customizations. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients to make it your own!

• Add More Vegetables: For extra crunch and freshness, consider adding finely diced celery, bell peppers (red or green), or even some shredded carrots. A tablespoon or two of sweet pickle relish can also add a delightful tangy-sweet element.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs can brighten the flavor considerably. Chopped fresh parsley or dill are excellent additions that complement the chicken and creamy dressing.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing can add a subtle kick.
• Other Proteins: While chicken is our star, this recipe can easily be adapted. Cooked turkey, canned tuna (drained well), or even imitation crab meat can be substituted for the chicken.
• Onion Alternatives: If shallots aren’t readily available, a small amount of finely minced red onion can be used, though it will have a stronger, sharper flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This creamy chicken macaroni salad is incredibly versatile and makes a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of meals. It’s a classic side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, or as a refreshing contrast to spicy dishes.

You can also enjoy it as a light lunch on its own, perhaps scooped into lettuce cups for a lighter option, or served with crackers. For a truly satisfying meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or some fresh fruit.

Storage: Store any leftover macaroni chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Due to the mayonnaise and chicken, it’s best consumed within this timeframe and should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.