Old Fashioned Southern Macaroni Salad with Peas and Cheese

Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, Sunday dinner, family reunion, or holiday gathering, this Old Fashioned Southern Macaroni Salad with Peas and Cheese is always a crowd favorite. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator.

This Macaroni Salad with peas and cheese is loaded with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, sweet peas, and cheese cubes, all dressed with a tangy homemade dressing that keeps everyone coming back for more.

This creamy macaroni salad is just as delicious as my Potato Salad with Bacon, my Easy Pea Salad Recipe, Baked Beans with Ground Beef, and my Broccoli Salad with Bacon. It also goes well with BBQ Ribs in the Oven and Chicken Legs on the Grill for the ultimate summer cookout.

When the weather warms up, activities move outside, and I am always looking for a simple recipe to fit the occasion. Potato salad, Spinach Salad with Cranberries, and Mexican Corn Salad usually appear on the menu when grilled food is served.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason old-fashioned Southern macaroni salad has been showing up at cookouts and family reunions for generations; it’s creamy, comforting, and always one of the first dishes to disappear.

• It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and cheeses.
• A classic Southern side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients and perfect for BBQs and family reunions.
• It’s creamy and flavorful and can be prepared ahead of time.

What Makes This Southern Macaroni Salad Different?

Southern macaroni salad is known for its creamy mayonnaise dressing, a touch of sweetness, and plenty of flavor. Unlike some traditional pasta salads, this old fashioned macaroni salad includes sweet peas, cheese cubes, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for summer cookouts, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and holiday gatherings.

Creamy Macaroni Salad Ingredients

Simple ingredients are needed for this delicious macaroni salad—nothing fancy, just straightforward items from the refrigerator and pantry. 

Recipe Variations

• Add chopped hard boiled eggs.
• Stir in cooked chopped bacon pieces or diced ham.
• Use a variety of cheeses for extra flavor.
• Swap the sweet pickle relish for dill pickle relish.
• Add some chopped pimentos for more Southern flair.
• Make it spicy. Leave the seeds in the jalapeno or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1:  Cook the Pasta. Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Shake well to remove excess water and allow the pasta to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients. Add the cooled macaroni, celery, onion, bell pepper, peas, cheese cubes, and jalapeño to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3:  Prepare the Dressing. In a small bowl or Mason jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, sugar, salt, black pepper, and white vinegar until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Mix and Chill. Pour the dressing over the macaroni and stir to coat evenly. Keep the salad covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.  If serving the next day, stir in another spoonful of mayo or ranch dressing into the salad. This will ensure more creaminess. The noodles absorb all of the dressing while chilling in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Cook the pasta just until al dente, so it doesn’t become mushy.
• Rinse the macaroni with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Drain the pasta thoroughly so the dressing stays creamy and not watery.
• Make this salad several hours ahead of serving for the best flavor.
• Expert Tip: If you’re making this macaroni salad a day ahead, reserve ¼ cup of the dressing or an extra spoonful of mayonnaise. Stir it into the salad just before serving to restore its creamy texture. The noodles absorb a lot of the creamy dressing while chilling in the refrigerator. 
• Cut the vegetables into small, uniform pieces for the best texture.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving and add a little extra mayonnaise if needed to refresh the creamy texture.