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    Home » Recipes » Side Dish

    KFC Macaroni Salad

    Published: May 23, 2022 by Kate

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    Bowl of pasta salad, with list of ingredients and text: copycat KFC Macaroni Salad.
    Spoon in a bowl of pasta salad, with text: Copycat KFC Macaroni Salad.

    If you love KFC Macaroni Salad, you're going to love this copycat recipe! This easy pasta salad is made with simple ingredients and tastes just like the real thing. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer BBQs!

    Spoon in a dish of macaroni salad.
    KFC Macaroni Salad (copycat)

    Remember KFC Macaroni Salad? Now you can make it yourself right at home with this super easy copycat recipe that tastes just like the real thing.

    KFC is a fast-food restaurant chain that specializes in fried chicken. Originally Kentucky Fried Chicken, it was founded in 1952 by Harland Sanders and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

    KFC is the second-largest restaurant chain in the world, with over 20,000 locations in 123 countries. Impressive!

    But, the chicken isn't the only star in this popular American fast-food chain. The sides including the coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and macaroni salad, are just as popular!

    Jump to:
    • Why Make This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Cook's Tips
    • Variations
    • Storage & Freezing
    • FAQs
    • More copycat recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    If you're craving a tasty, quick, and easy macaroni salad it can easily be made at home with simple ingredients. In fact, you may already have them on hand!

    Just toss cooked elbow macaroni with carrots, onions, and sweet pickles and mix with a homemade mayonnaise-based sauce that's easy to whip up.

    This easy pasta salad can be served as a side dish with any main course. It's also perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer BBQs! So, if you're looking for a KFC macaroni salad copycat recipe, this is it!

    One thing I love about making copycat restaurant recipes at home is that you can mix it up with different restaurant dishes! Serve this salad with Cajun Chicken Wings (Wingstop Copycat), Louisiana Rub Wingstop Chicken Wings, and Chili's Skillet Queso.

    I'd also add some dips on the side too! Try Chipotle Southwest Sauce (Subway Copycat), Wingstop Ranch, or Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce.

    Why Make This Recipe

    • It tastes just like the KFC version without a trip to the restaurant.
    • This copycat KFC macaroni salad is made with simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
    • You can customize by adding different seasonings or using different pasta.
    • Serve it as an easy weeknight side or make a big batch for a summer event!
    • It's just a really good mac salad!
    Ingredients on a table.

    Ingredients

    • Elbow Macaroni - The shape of this pasta is perfect for pasta salad because it holds the dressing well.
    • Mayonnaise - This is the base of the dressing and gives it a creamy texture. You can use Duke's, Hellman's, or your favorite brand.
    • Pasta Salad Vegetables - You'll need a mix of finely diced celery, onion, and sweet pickles along with shredded carrots for sweetness and crunch to add texture and flavor to the pasta salad.
    • Miracle Whip - This condiment is often used in pasta salad recipes. It's mayonnaise and vinegar-based dressing that's slightly sweet with a tangy flavor.
    • Dry Mustard Powder - Adds a little bit of spice and tangy flavor to the dressing.
    • White Sugar - Sweetens up the pasta salad rounding out the flavors perfectly.
    • Salt & Pepper - Balances and enhances all of the flavors in the dish.

    Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.

    Instructions

    Wondering how to make this KFC Macaroni Salad recipe? It's easy!

    Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

    Cooked draining elbow macaroni.

    Cook the pasta: Prepare the macaroni according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water and drain again. Set aside.

    Finely diced onion, celery and shredded carrot.

    Chop the vegetables: Shred the carrot, then finely mince the pickles, onions, and celery.

    Collage of assembling macaroni salad.

    Assemble the dressing: To a large bowl, add the mayonnaise, miracle whip, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk to fully combine.

    Mix the salad: To the bowl with the dressing, add the chopped vegetables and cooled pasta. Toss to fully combine.

    Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then chill the pasta salad in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving cold.

    Cook's Tips

    Before adding the pasta to the dressing and vegetable mixture, make sure the pasta is completely cooled as warm pasta will make the dressing runny.

    Make sure the vegetables are properly finely diced into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.

    If you can't find Miracle Whip, use additional mayonnaise and adjust the seasonings as necessary.

    If you want a little more sweetness, add an additional tablespoon or two of sugar to the dressing.

    This salad is best served when chilled to allow the flavors to meld together.

    Variations

    If you want to lighten up this recipe, use Greek yogurt or a lighter mayonnaise in place of all or some of the regular mayo.

    To add more flavor, try adding different seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or dill weed.

    Add a little bit of color and flavor to the pasta salad by stirring in some chopped red grapes or green peas.

    If you want a heartier pasta salad with high protein, add in some diced cooked chicken or ham.

    Storage & Freezing

    Storage: Store any leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days. The longer it sits, the more the sauce will absorb into the pasta. If it gets too dry, you can add additional mayonnaise or miracle whip to rehydrate.

    Freezing is not recommended.

    Table with a bowl of copycat KFC Macaroni Salad.

    FAQs

    How much sugar is in the macaroni salad at KFC?

    The KFC macaroni salad has about 12 grams of sugar per serving. If you make this recipe at home you can adjust or omit the sugar.

    What is in the dressing for KFC macaroni salad?

    The dressing is mayonnaise and vinegar-based dressing that's slightly sweet with a tangy flavor. It's made with mayonnaise, miracle whip, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.

    What is the best pasta to use for pasta salad?

    I like to use elbow macaroni or shells, but you can really use any type of pasta that you like. Just make sure it's a short pasta so that it's easy to eat and you get all the delicious flavor in every bite.

    More copycat recipes

    If you love this tasty KFC-inspired Macaroni Salad, then be sure to also check out these other copycat dishes too!

    • Orange Julius copycat
    • Homemade Tajin Seasoning (Chili Lime)
    • Honey Walnut Cream Cheese (Panera Copycat)
    • Jiffy Corn Casserole

    Be sure to subscribe to my free Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    Spoon in a bowl of macaroni salad.

    KFC Macaroni Salad

    This copycat KFC Macaroni Salad recipe is easy and tastes just like the real thing! This pasta salad is made with simple ingredients.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: KFC Copycat, KFC macaroni salad, macaroni salad
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Chill Time: 2 hours
    Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 401kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Pot
    • Mixing Bowl
    • Knife
    • Cutting Board

    Ingredients

    • 9 ounces elbow macaroni
    • ½ cup celery finely diced
    • ½ cup carrot peeled and shredded (or ½ a large carrot)
    • 1 tablespoon yellow onion finely diced
    • ⅓ cup sweet pickles finely diced
    • 1 cup Miracle Whip
    • ¾ cup Mayonnaise (I use Duke’s)
    • ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
    • 1 teaspoon white sugar (or superfine sugar)
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

    Instructions

    • Prepare the macaroni according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water and drain again. Set aside.
    • Add the remaining ingredients to a large bowl and mix well.
    • When the macaroni is completely cooled, stir it into the sauce.
    • For best results, chill for at least 2 hours for the flavors to blend.
    • Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
    Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

    Notes

    Before adding the pasta to the dressing and vegetable mixture, make sure the pasta is completely cooled as warm pasta will make the dressing runny.
    Make sure the vegetables are properly finely diced into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
    If you can't find Miracle Whip, use additional mayonnaise and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
    If you want a little more sweetness, add an additional tablespoon or two of sugar to the dressing.
    This salad is best served when chilled to allow the flavors to meld together.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 665mg | Potassium: 189mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1933IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mahy

      May 23, 2022 at 3:02 pm

      5 stars
      Who doesn't like KFC macaroni salad, right? Fantastic recipe that is so easy to make at home.

      Reply
    2. Dana

      May 23, 2022 at 3:20 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is a godsend, girl! This was my absolute favorite macaroni salad growing up. I always attacked the mac salad before any of the chicken, haha. So happy I can make it on my own! Thanks for this recipe!

      Reply
    3. Toni

      May 23, 2022 at 4:30 pm

      5 stars
      Such an amazing side dish!! I love that it only needs simple ingredients! So good!

      Reply
    4. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

      May 25, 2022 at 6:22 am

      5 stars
      This is such an easy and delicious recipe, I cannot wait to make it again!

      Reply
    5. Kathleen

      June 03, 2022 at 3:26 pm

      5 stars
      I had no idea KFC was that popular around the globe. It's not surprising as it is really good. This copy cat macaroni salad is just like I remembered from KFC! It's a perfect side dish.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate! You Say Potatoes, I say, well, potatoes. I'm a cookbook author and journalist from the Pacific Northwest. Here you'll find easy, budget-friendly recipes made from scratch.

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