  Top: Macaroni salad fromDayton, Virginia Bottom: Filipino chicken macaroni salad | |
| Type | Salad |
|---|---|
| Course | Side dish orappetizer |
| Serving temperature | Cold |
| Main ingredients | Macaroni, usuallymayonnaise,onions,pickles,celery |
Macaroni salad is a type ofpasta salad also referred to as "mac salad", served cold, made with cooked elbowmacaroni and usually prepared withmayonnaise.[1] Much likepotato salad orcoleslaw in its use, it is often served as aside dish tobarbecue,fried chicken, or otherpicnic-style dishes.[2] Like any dish, national and regional variations abound[1] but generally it is prepared with raw dicedonions, dill or sweetpickles andcelery and seasoned withsalt andpepper.[3]
InAustralia andNew Zealand, it is commonly known aspasta salad, which is usually made with cooked shell pasta pieces and bought from supermarket delis.[citation needed]
In thePhilippines, macaroni salad is a dessert or appetizer with a mildly sweet flavor. It does not use onions, pepper, or celery. It typically uses native sweetened jellies, cheese, as well as various fruits in contrast to western macaroni salads. It is commonly consumed during holidays such as Christmas and New Year's Day, as well as parties and gatherings.[4] A common variant adds shredded chicken and is known aschicken salad orchicken macaroni salad.[5][6]
In the United States, macaroni salad has been described as a "deli staple".[3]InHawaii, macaroni salad is a popular staple inplate lunches and is traditionally made with grated onion and macaroni cooked until very soft.[1][7] InPuerto Rico, macaroni salad may contain mayonnaise, mustard,canned tuna or bits ofSpam, onions,Cubanelle peppers andpimentos.[citation needed]
