• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
You Say Potatoes
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Air Fryer
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Air Fryer
  • About
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Air Fryer
  • About
  • Subscribe
×
  • Close up of air fryer stuffed mushrooms on a plate.
    Tex Mex Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Looking down at a plate of curried chicken legs.
    Curried Chicken Legs
  • A plate of cookie butter white chocolate chip cookies, with a Lotus biscoff cookie in it.
    White Chocolate Cookie Butter Cookies
  • An Instant Pot whole roasted chicken on a plate on a table.
    Instant Pot Whole Chicken
  • Looking down at a bowl of edible chocolate chip cookie dough.
    Chocolate Chip Edible Cookie Dough
  • A plate of kung pao chicken.
    Spicy Chicken Recipes
  • Looking down at a plate of breaded chicken cutlets, with one cut into strips.
    Breaded Chicken Cutlets
  • A plate of chicken rice casserole without soup.
    Chicken and Rice Casserole Without Soup
  • Close up of lemon pepper chicken wings.
    Lemon Pepper Wings
  • A wooden table with a serving dish of homemade hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni.
    Cheeseburger Macaroni
  • Side look close up of salmon kabobs on a plate.
    Salmon Kabobs
  • Looking down at a wooden table with a bowl of chickpea and lentil soup on a cloth napkin.
    Vegetable, Chickpea and Lentil Soup
Home » Recipes » Side Dish

KFC Macaroni Salad

Published: May 23, 2022 by Kate

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
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!

  • A bowl of Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken.
    Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat
  • A glass of Starbucks copycat Pistachio Frappuccino topped with whipped cream and chopped pistachios.
    Pistachio Frappuccino
  • A stack of graham cracker ice cream sandwiches and one has a bite out.
    Graham Cracker Ice Cream Sandwiches
  • Plate of Kung Pao Chicken over rice.
    Kung Pao Chicken

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 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours hours
Total Time: 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 401kcal
Author: Kate | You Say Potatoes
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.

More Side Dish Recipes

  • Looking down at a serving dish of roasted butternut squash with cranberries, pecans, spices and sage.
    Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries
  • Looking down at a serving dish of maple roasted sweet potato with a spoon in it.
    Maple Roasted Sweet Potato
  • Close up of a spoon in a bowl of Boursin Brussels Sprouts.
    Boursin Brussels Sprouts
  • Close up of a serving dish of spicy air fryer wedges.
    Spicy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 11 votes (6 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  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

Primary Sidebar

Kate cooking.

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.

More about me →

Popular Recipes

  • Side view of a plate of Outback Steakhouse bread with one piece sliced and one with butter.
    Outback Steakhouse Bread copycat

  • Cooked chicken legs in air fryer.
    Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)

  • Serving dish of cooked cabbage with butter melting into it and pepper on top.
    Buttered Cabbage

  • Platter of raw vegetables and copycat ranch sauce.
    Wingstop Ranch Recipe (copycat)

Collage of press logos.

Healthy Recipes

  • Teriyaki salmon on a plate.
    Teriyaki Salmon (Air Fryer)

  • Close up of a salad topped with grilled shawarma chicken.
    Chicken Shawarma Salad

  • Looking down at a dish of mango black bean salad.
    Mango Black Bean Salad

  • Plate of Moroccan chicken couscous with harissa yogurt sauce.
    Moroccan Chicken Couscous

Footer

↑ back to top

Information

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Cookie Policy
  • Website Accessibility Statement

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Partner Site

  • Veggie Desserts

Contact

  • Contact
  • About Me

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 You Say Potatoes

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this recipe!
We all loved this recipe and I'm sure I'll make it again and again!

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.