Dunkley’s Macaroni Salad: Perfect for Potlucks

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If you’re looking for the ultimate deli-style pasta salad, look no further than Dunkley’s Macaroni Salad. It’s creamy, crunchy, tangy, a little spicy, and packed with flavor from salami, dill pickles, cheese, olives, and pimientos. The perfect salad to bring to a potluck or picnic.

For more potluck and picnic recipes, check out my Olive Salad, Classic Potato Salad or Favorite Pasta Salad.

Dunkley’s Famous Macaroni Salad! So many great flavors and textures in this delicious salad. There is a lot of chopping and dicing in this recipe, but it’s so worth the time. I usually add more mayonnaise to make it really creamy, and sometimes I’ll pour in a couple of tablespoons of pickle juice for some extra tangy flavor.

a serving of macaroni pasta salad with salami, pickles and cheese on a white plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s loaded with flavor from garlic to horseradish. Every bite packs a punch.
The recipe makes a big batch that’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Hearty and Satisfying: Additions like cheese, salami, and pasta make this feel like a full meal.

Ingredients Needed

Elbow macaroni: Use any pasta that holds dressing well, like shells or rotini.
Celery & red onion: Add crunch and sharpness. If you don’t like onions, use spring onions.
Cheddar & Swiss cheese: Use any cheese you have at hand. Mozzarella also works.
Parmesan: Adds a Mediterranean twist. Use freshly grated or shaved for the best flavor.
Dill pickles: Homemade or store-bought for tang and crunch.
Salami: Your favorite brand and flavor.
Black olives & pimientos: Briny and sweet elements to get a balanced deli-style flavor experience. If you don’t like olives, skip them and add more pimientos and pickles.
Signature spice blend: A mix of garlic salt, cayenne, dry mustard, and celery salt makes the dressing pop!
Horseradish: Adds some heat without making this overly spicy.
Mayonnaise: Full-fat (my choice) or light. The creamy base that brings everything together.

How to Make Dunkley’s Macaroni Salad

This one comes together in three easy steps: cook the pasta, add the mix-ins, and toss everything in a bold, creamy dressing. For the full printable recipe, check out the recipe card at the end of this post.

chopped up ingredients for macaroni salad in a small bowl.

cooked macaroni pasta cooling in a metal bowl.

Cook macaroni according to package directions to al dente. Do not overcook. Drain, rinse macaroni until cool, and drain well again. Set aside to dry out slightly.
Add cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add celery, onion, cheeses, dill pickles, salami, and olives. Gently stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
In a small bowl, mix together garlic salt, minced garlic, pepper, cayenne, dry mustard, and celery salt. Stir into macaroni with drained pimientos. Stir in mayonnaise, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Add more mayonnaise as needed before serving.

cooked pasta and chopped up ingredients in a metal bowl.

spices, minced garlic and horseradish in a metal bowl.

Helpful Tips

Wet pasta waters down the dressing, so make sure to let your pasta dry a bit after rinsing.
I usually add more mayonnaise to make it really creamy, and sometimes I’ll pour in a couple of tablespoons of pickle juice for some extra tangy flavor.
Don’t skip the refrigeration time. The flavors develop with time, and the pasta soaks up some of that dressing.
Dice ingredients evenly as uniform pieces give the best texture and balance of flavors in every bite.
You can reduce or omit cayenne and horseradish if making for very spice-sensitive guests.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: Store tightly covered for up to 4 days.

Make Ahead: A great option. This salad is even better the next day!

Not Freezer Friendly: Mayonnaise-based salad dressings do not freeze well.

overhead shot of a bowl of chilled creamy macaroni salad in a metal bowl.

Serving Suggestions

We love to serve this alongside ribs, grilled chicken, or burgers.
Serve with crackers as a scoopable party bite!
Enjoy this with garlic bread. Because sometimes, life calls for carbs on carbs.

Variations

Make it vegetarian: Skip the salami and add chickpeas as a protein and some roasted carrots, broccoli or red peppers.
Spicy kick: Add some diced jalapeños or some dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Make it light: Reduce the amount of mayo and fold in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for that creaminess.
Switch the Cheese: Gouda, provolone, or pepper jack work beautifully in this pasta salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in advance?

Actually, you should. It tastes better the next day, after the flavors have time to meld.

Can I add more vegetables?

More fiber is always a good choice. Just make sure to make more dressing.

Why is my salad dry the next day?

Pasta absorbs more dressing over time, so if you feel your salad is too dry, just stir in a little extra mayo or olive oil before serving.

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