Easy cucumber macaroni salad with cucumbers and eggs is a twist on the traditional classic American macaroni salad. You will not believe how delicious it is. Perfect with southern sweet hushpuppies and dutch oven fried chicken!
MACARONI SALAD
This cucumber macaroni salad screams spring and summer! And guess what? It contains cool, crunchy seedless cucumbers!
It's perfect for warm weather bbq's, potlucks or anytime really. I know a lot of people are trying to eat healthier, so if you are on a diet then this may not be for you, but there are ways to make it healthier just read below.
HOW TO MAKE IT HEALTHIER
You can easily make this macaroni salad recipe much healthier by ditching the mayonnaise and using sour cream. It won't taste the same but with a couple tweaks, you can still make it taste delicious. I honestly think mayonnaise-based tastes better. You could even do a combo of mayonnaise and sour cream or even try yogurt or ditch the all three and use a zesty Italian dressing. Check the recipe below for a couple of tips.
This macaroni salad doesn't have any celery but feel free to add them if you like. I did infuse some celery flavor into the salad by adding celery salt or you could even add celery seeds. This recipe also contain eggs. I love hard -boiled eggs but if you like soft boiled eggs then go for it.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
It's a great way to use up your cucumbers.
It's simple and great for picnics and BBQ's.
No need to chop a bunch of veggies up like you normally would do with the traditional one.
Cucumber macaroni salad is so easy. Just dice the onions, mini peppers, eggs and cucumbers. Easy peasy. It's best to make this salad the day before you need it. Check the recipe notes for more info. Seriously, cucumbers make macaroni salad taste amazing! Don't knock it until you try it!
Macaroni Salad with Eggs and Cucumbers
Ingredients
- 16 oz box of macaroni
- 7 hard boiled eggs chopped
- 1 red onion finely diced
- 1 seedless cucumber diced
- ¼ cup sweet relish
- 1 cup plus two tbs of mayonnaise I used Duke Mayonnaise
- ½ tbs mustard
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 pinch of celery seasoning
- ⅛ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 pinch red pepper
- salt for taste if needed
- lots of pepper for taste
- 2 mini peppers finely diced
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Make sure you salt the pasta water. Drain and rinse the noodles and set aside to cool.
- Drain the macaroni then pour it into a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients along with the cucumbers and eggs. Mix well. Add more seasoning for taste if needed.
- Cover and place in the fridge so the flavors can meld for up to 4-8 hours or overnight. *See notes.
Notes
TIPS TO MAKE THIS MACARONI SALAD
If you would like to lighten up this recipe you can use yogurt or sour cream or a combo of mayo and sour cream/yogurt or even try avocado mayonnaise. It definitely will not taste the same. Use the same ingredients in this recipe but you may need to add more seasoning to make it delicious and a bit of sugar since yogurt and sour cream is not as flavorful as mayonnaise. Add carrots or bell peppers or whatever add-ins you like. MAKE IT AHEAD OF TIME - It's best to make this salad the day before you need it. However, do not add the cucumbers to the salad until you are about to serve it. If you add the cucumbers the day before you serve it they may make the macaroni salad watery. Leftovers:Refrigerate macaroni salad within two hours of preparing in an airtight container. Macaroni that is stored properly will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
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Cathy Bodine
Can Miracle Whip be used instead of Mayonnaise?
April Wright
I haven't tried it with Miracle whip but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Just make sure you use seedless cucumbers.
Sarah
I love a good pasta salad and any excuse to add cucumbers to anything is a-ok in my book!
April
I love cucumbers so much so I should've known better! I don't know why I was hesitant about tasting this!
Rezel Kealoha
Love how ahead of the game you are!! Mac salads are my fav to make during the summer. Pinning this for later!
April
I love mac salads too! I am already thinking about my next pasta recipe! Thank you Rezel.
Stephanie Simmons
I'm usually not into the "creamy salads" but this one looks amazing!! I know my picky husband would love it too 🙂 Another great recipe April!!
April
Thank you so much Stephanie!
Jordan
I am 100% taking this to my next family get-together. I love pasta salads so much but I've never added egg!
April
Yay! I don't normally add egg either but I had to try it! It's so delicious! Thank you Jordan.
Nicole
I am all for food that'll put me in summertime mode. Missing that sunshine! Your new photos look terrific!
April
Yup me too! I've been putting the old post's photos on the back burner too long. It has to be done. Thank you Nicole!
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Why didn't I visit your site yesterday??? I so needed this recipe for a cookout I was invited to. It looks so delicious! Saving for later 🙂
April
Save it for your next cookout lol. Hope you are doing well! Thank you! 🙂
Tonya Conteh
I'm with you on the celery, but this looks good April! I love the addition of red pepper!
Tonya Conteh
April
You too lol! Thank you Tonya!