Deli-Style Macaroni Salad (gluten-free)

This Deli-Style Macaroni Salad is creamy, crunchy and a little sweet and tangy. It’s made with all gluten-free ingredients and is lighter than the classic macaroni salad but still so incredibly flavorful and delicious.

Pasta salad is a hot commodity for BBQ season and really all summer long. But there is something about a classic macaroni salad that just hits the spot. And this deli-style macaroni salad is hands down our favorite.

This recipe was inspired by a deli by Jordan’s childhood home on Staten Island called Hillside. Which I found out closed so even better that we were able to remake it at home. They sold the classic macaroni salad you would expect from a deli market. It was creamy, filled with crunchy veggies and it pairs perfectly with your burger, hot dog or anything you want at a barbecue.

I am so excited to share this homemade version with you. This is a really budget-friendly recipe to make. And Jord claims it’s *even better* than the one he used to get at the deli. And it’s even a lighter version since I cut half the mayo and use yogurt instead.

I cannot wait to hear what you guys think of this macaroni salad!

What ingredients are in this deli-style macaroni salad:

• Gluten-free macaroni pasta – or use regular macaroni pasta if not gluten-free
• Mayonnaise – a classic mayo works best but you can use any you prefer
• Plain yogurt – nothing too thick or the dressing will be too thick
• Apple cider vinegar – or use white vinegar if you prefer
• Dijon mustard – a touch of this goes a long way!
• Garlic powder and onion powder
• Carrots – finely shredded and you can buy these shredded or do it yourself
• Celery stalks – finely diced into small pieces
• Red bell pepper – finely diced with seeds removed
• Scallions – finely diced just the green parts

How to make the best macaroni salad:

1. Cook the macaroni pasta in boiled water per package instructions
2. Allow the pasta to cool for at least 15 minutes
3. While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing by combing the mayo, yogurt, vinegar, mustard and spices until smooth
4. Add the pasta to a large bowl with the carrots, celery, pepper and scallions then toss with dressing and enjoy room temperature or chilled

FAQs on making this pasta salad:

• Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time? Yes absolutely! Just stir together the pasta again before serving and add in some extra dressing if necessary or even a splash of water to add creaminess. It’s one of those recipes that gets more flavorful as the dressing sets in too.
• What if I don’t like mayo? You can use all yogurt for the dressing if you prefer. Although the mayo adds a little sweetness and creaminess to the dressing!
• How is this served? I like serving this chilled so refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or so. But it is also great room temperature. Just not too warm!
• Can I add in anything else? Yes totally! Some chopped pickles or hard boiled eggs would be great additions too!

A few other delicious pasta salads to try next:

Creamy Whipped Feta Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad (gluten-free)

10-minute Greek Tortellini Salad (gluten-free)

Lemony Spring Pasta Salad