![Close-up on bowl of macaroni salad with spoon](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.allrecipes.com/thmb/pm3ZMS77Ybs4xHNJOXuAXj_Iln8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Magnificent-Macaroni-Salad-c476ed4cec1845f2b633b4d76a35af56.jpg)
Comfortingly creamy pasta salads never go out of style, and we've compiled our best old-school recipes that taste just like something Mom would make. From classic tricolored spiral noodle dishes to a decadent diced ham option, pasta salads are magic at making dinner a simple, scrumptious affair.
Chef John's Classic Macaroni Salad
![closeup of a spoonful of macaroni salad being scooped from a square yellow bowl](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/-WeXqWHatayhCiHMXp1l2--V_Vk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2343032-7879fb79aa7c43c099e2d15ff5796b78.jpg)
"Whether it's sitting next to some smoky ribs or just a humble hot dog, this deli-style macaroni salad will always be a crowd favorite," says Chef John. You'll love the kiss of heat courtesy of poblano and jalapeño peppers.
Amelia's Tuna Macaroni Salad
![tuna macaroni salad in a metal bowl](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/QEcQHg_ZMnQILlAzNrK2U0TQLK8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/3591151_Amelias-Tuna-Macaroni-Salad-Photo-by-KGora-resize-c4e3fa2fd32348b8953dc91196da7c5a.jpg)
Fresh flavor is the name of the game in this multifaceted recipe. Tuna, sweet onions, relish, and hardboiled eggs combine to create a uniquely enticing bite.
Classic Italian Pasta Salad
![overhead shot pasta salad](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/kuZPl5E3KtYa5cYqIRpvbWUO8LA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/223318-Classic-Italian-Pasta-Salad-f3dd519f4b814310ab634ff533e3181c.jpg)
Enjoy a creamy classic that's easily customizable with your favorite veggies. Ripe olives, Italian dressing, and Cheddar cheese combine for a forkful of tangy, satisfying flavor.
Shrimp Avocado Pasta Salad
![Shrimp Avocado Pasta Salad](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/DguZJ8LQdKXyhuluGkPrlVsCQ3Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2612605-0d2fa9fb84b44569bd51fa86af1da8a4.jpg)
Sugarplum
Try your hand at this easy and refreshing seafood pasta dish. It's the perfect complement to a lazy, warm-weather afternoon when you need something delicious in a flash. A bit of crushed red pepper rounds out each bite.
Magnificent Macaroni Salad
![Close-up on bowl of macaroni salad with spoon](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/pm3ZMS77Ybs4xHNJOXuAXj_Iln8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Magnificent-Macaroni-Salad-c476ed4cec1845f2b633b4d76a35af56.jpg)
The mouthwatering blend of macaroni, mustard, parsley, and rice vinegar makes this pasta salad one-of-a-kind. A teaspoon of sugar adds a subtle sweetness that makes this dish worthy of its name.
Rainbow Pasta Salad II
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All you'll need are five ingredients to create this bright, beautifully flavored salad. Juicy diced tomatoes and assertive red onion blend perfectly in this Italian-inspired dish that will have your guests raving.
Awesome Ham Pasta Salad
![Awesome Ham Pasta Salad](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/avZ02dV4U3tybnJBMElzHIgRlCo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/892819-eeaa1e92e8af4b98913e3616d4ba92e9.jpg)
A perfectly rich, old-school treat made with cubed ham, sweet pickles, and sour cream. "I added about 5 drops of Tabasco Sauce to give a little kick and the entire bowl disappeared quickly," says home cook CarolS. "My family loved it."
Mom's Best Macaroni Salad
![portrait shot macaroni salad](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/RYY-iKGELF3gr5yUtDHjGSfRwrA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/65052-Moms-Best-Macaroni-Salad-1cafbae9e0ba495d8ebb7ea6fd9afd3c.jpg)
Bell peppers and chopped celery add body to this delectable macaroni salad. Equal parts sweet and tart, this filling, summer-friendly meal is ready in just 30 minutes.