Tangy, creamy and full of flavor, this copycat KFC Macaroni Salad Recipe is perfection. It tastes just like the real deal and is a perfect side for any meal.
I like to serve this salad when we have barbecue - but I also whip it up if I make chicken too. It's such a versatile dish, it pairs with pretty much everything.
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What makes this recipe so yummy
- There are few ingredients, inexpensive ingredients are a good thing.
- You can make it in less than 20 minutes. It's my favorite way to jazz up a meal.
- It tastes better the older it gets.
- Get the flavors of your favorite fast-food chain at home. KFC salads are awesome.
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Cook the pasta per the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir together.
- Step 3: Add the cooled macaroni to the sauce in the mixing bowl and fold together.
- Step 4: Refrigerate for 2 hours (optional) for the flavors to come together.
Hint: Refrigerating the pasta salad for 2 hours is not really necessary - it does, however, allow the flavors to marry together and gives it much more flavor.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Sour Cream - instead of mayonnaise.
- Green Onions - instead of the dried onions.
- White Pepper - for a little smoky flavor.
- Green Olives - more tang.
- Onion Powder - the addition of this could be good.
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Necessary gear: Equipment
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You'll just need a pot to boil the elbow noodles in, a colander and a large mixing bowl.
I have some affiliate links in the recipe card below.
How to store leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will actually get better as this pasta salad ages.
Mel's kitchen notes
This recipe also works well as a potato salad. Substitute the noodles for cold potatoes.
Frequently asked questions: FAQs
Per their ingredients, they have 9g. In my copycat recipe I add 1 teaspoon.
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KFC Macaroni Salad Recipe
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Elbow Macaroni
- ⅓ Cup Sweet Gherkins finely diced
- ½ Cup Celery finely diced
- ½ Cup Carrots peeled and finely diced
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Minced Onions
- ¾ Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Cup Miracle Whip
- ¼ teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare noodles per package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.2 Cups Elbow Macaroni
- In a large mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients then stir well.⅓ Cup Sweet Gherkins, ½ Cup Celery, ½ Cup Carrots, 1 Tablespoon Dried Minced Onions, ¾ Cup Mayonnaise, 1 Cup Miracle Whip, ¼ teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder, 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar, ½ teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Add the cooled macaroni to the mixing bowl and fold with the sauce.
- For best results store in the refrigerator for 2 hours, for the flavors to marry together.
Notes
Nutrition
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Allen says
I make a VERY similar salad with the following differences:
I add diced hard boiled eggs to the mix and garnish with a couple more sliced on top.
I also add a half cup or so of diced red radishes! SOMETIMES a half cup of finely chopped shredded carrots: both veggies for crunch and color.
Instead of the gherkins I use a homemade heirloom pickle relish I make every couple years; it includes red bell pepper for color and celery seed for taste.
I also do a generous squirt of regular prepared mustard versus the powder.
Since I am diabetic, I use Splenda or stevia for the sweetener if necessary. The relish I use is normally sweet enough to carry the load.
DEFINITELY the fresh green onions (tops & bulbs (versus dried minced) for color & flavor.
Finally, I add a dash or two of dried paprika powder to the eggs on top for decoration.
At home (I usually prepare this for picnics or church potlucks), I will have bacon bits and shelled sunflower seeds on the side for those that want more crunch.
Melanie Cagle says
Allen, thanks for your addition! It's very helpful, and your version sounds delicious too!! Love the idea of the heirloom pickle relish - that sounds amazing!
Dave Hirschler says
I’ve been Jonesing for some Kentucky Fried Chicken macaroni salad - I’ve found several that are quite similar but none call for ditalini (the short little macaroni tubes with no bend in them). Am I not remembering their salad right?!? I was pretty sure it was the tiny tubes!
Bobbie says
I followed the recipe with the exception of the dried onion and the pickle. I used one green onion in place for the dried onion and 1/3 cup sweet relish for the gherkin. This was a very simple recipe and we enjoyed the flavor.