Easy Warm Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Warm Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni pasta; 1/2 cup grated fresh carrot; 3 tablespoons onion, chopped; 1 stalk celery, chopped; 3 tablespoons pickle relish; 2/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe

This Warm Pasta Salad is a creamy, quick, and comforting side dish made with tender macaroni, crisp veggies, and a tangy-sweet dressing. It's the perfect addition to cookouts, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need something fast but flavorful.

Updated July 2025: This post has been refreshed to include helpful new tips, enhanced ingredient insights, storage advice, and an easier-to-follow structure, making it perfect for summer cookouts and weeknight dinners. It was originally posted June 2020.

overhead view of pasta salad in white bowl beside a fork on marble surface

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: On the table in under 25 minutes from start to finish.
Served Warm or Cold: Enjoy it fresh and warm, or chill it for later.
Crowd Favorite: A nostalgic pasta salad with a satisfying crunch.
Pantry-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Key Ingredients

ingredients needed to make pasta salad in separate bowls

Elbow Macaroni - Short pasta that holds dressing well. Substitute fusilli or penne if needed.
Carrot - Adds natural sweetness and crunch.
Onion - Choose yellow, white, or red for your flavor preference.
Celery - Brings freshness and a snappy bite.
Sweet Pickle Relish - Adds a tangy-sweet balance to the dressing.
Mayonnaise - Binds everything into a creamy finish.
Salt & Ground Black Pepper - For seasoning and flavor balance.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

Before You Make This Pasta Salad

Chop the veggies small so every bite is well balanced.
Don't overcook the pasta, al dente is best so it holds up when warm.
This recipe comes together fast, so prep your ingredients while the pasta cooks.
You can use vegan mayo if needed, but avoid Miracle Whip if you want a classic taste.

📖 Recipe

overhead bowl of pasta salad beside a fork on marble surface

Warm Pasta Salad

LaKita Anderson

This warm pasta salad is quick, creamy, and packed with crunchy vegetables. The perfect side dish that's ready in 25 minutes or less!

4.62 from 26 votes

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 291 kcal

Equipment

1 cutting board
1 sharp knife
1 large bowl
1 wooden spoon

Ingredients

1 ½ cups elbow macaroni pasta
½ cup grated fresh carrot
3 tablespoons onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
3 tablespoons pickle relish
⅔ cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Begin this recipe by chopping/grating up the fresh onion, carrot, and celery into small pieces.
Cook the 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni in a large saucepan according to the package instructions and drain off all the water once finished. Transfer the cooked pasta to a separate large bowl.
To the same large mixing bowl while the pasta is still warm, gently stir in the ½ cup carrot, 3 tablespoons onion, 1 stalk celery, 3 tablespoons pickle relish, and ⅔ cup mayonnaise.
Add ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper before stirring to thoroughly distribute.
Serve the macaroni salad immediately while it is still warm. Enjoy!
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, simply serve cold straight from the fridge.

Notes

Be sure not to overcook the elbow macaroni pasta, it should be cooked to al dente.
May use any mayonnaise that you prefer, including vegan mayonnaise to make this a vegan side dish.
This macaroni salad can be served cold for a cold pasta salad. Simply prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator before serving.
Season with salt and ground black pepper to your level of preference. Use more or less as needed.

Calories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 359mgPotassium: 53mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1381IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword warm macaroni salad, warm pasta salad

Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serve cold straight from the fridge, no need to reheat.
Allowing the pasta salad to chill enhances the flavor over time.

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Recipe Variations

Try adding in a few of your favorite ingredients to make this pasta salad your own. Here are a few suggestions:

Toss the pasta with a teaspoon of olive oil before mixing to prevent sticking.
Add diced bell pepper for color and crunch.
Sprinkle crumbled feta or grated Parmesan over the top before serving.
Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and texture.

finished pasta salad in glass mixing bowl with wooden spoon

LaKita's Expert Tips for Success

Don't skip the seasoning, warm pasta absorbs flavor quickly.
If making ahead, reserve a little mayo to stir in before serving for fresh texture.
Use a box grater for finely shredded carrots and onions.

From My Kitchen to Yours

I've been making this warm pasta salad for years when I need something nostalgic, simple, and satisfying. It's one of those sides that shows up on my table year-round, especially when I want that perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and comforting.