Keto Macaroni Salad

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Total: 20 min Servings: 8
Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published June 21, 2019 • Updated February 2, 2026

Reader Rating
4.8 Stars (11 Reviews)
Salads

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A creamy version of the classic mac salad with shirataki noodles and crisp vegetables dressed in a light mayonnaise dressing. The perfect side dish for your next potluck, BBQ or picnic.

This macaroni salad is my go-to side dish in the summer. It’s the perfect potluck recipe – just like my antipasto salad and berry trifle, everyone goes back for seconds, even the non-keto people at the table.

looking down into a bowl filled with macaroni pasta salad with celery, parsley and tomatoes and topped with black pepper

Use your favorite low-carb noodles to make this easy pasta salad. Crunchy bell pepper, onion and celery get tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that soaks right into the noodles.

How to make macaroni salad

  1. Prepare your pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Mix the salad dressing. Let sit to give the flavors time to come together while you work on the vegetables.
  3. Chop, dice and mince the vegetables.
  4. Toss to coat. Combine the pasta with the vegetables and salad dressing.

a bowl filled with macaroni salad with sliced tomatoes near by

Key ingredients

  • Low-carb pasta noodles – From lupin pasta to shirataki noodles, there are plenty of options. I list a few of my favorites down below.
  • Bell Pepper – Adds crunch and color to your macaroni salad
  • Red onion – For crunch, color and a little zing
  • Mayonnaise based dressing – Apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, lemon and monkfruit mixed into mayonnaise and sour cream for a tangy-sweet dressing that ties the whole salad together.
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Keto Macaroni Salad

4.8 (11) Prep 15m Cook 5m Total 20m 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz keto macaroni noodles
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoon sour cream
  • 1 ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • Juice from ½ lemon
  • 1 ½ teaspoon sugar-free sweetener
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
  • ¼ cup quartered grape tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon minced parsley

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Prepare the noodles

Prepare noodles according to the package directions. Let cool.

prepare miracle noodles
2
Mix in a small bowl

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt, sweetener, and lemon juice. Set aside.

mix macaroni salad dressing
3
Finish a large bowl

In a large bowl, add noodles, celery, red onion, bell pepper, tomatoes and parsley. Mix in the dressing. Stir to combine.

add all keto macaroni salad ingredients together
Nutrition Per Serving
177 Calories
13.1g Fat
10.5g Protein
4.4g Net Carbs
24.8g Total Carbs
8 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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a pasta salad with tomatoes, parsley and green bell peppers

Low-carb noodle options

For this macaroni salad, you have a few different noodle options that range in net carbs and whether they’re gluten-free.

  • Lupin flour pasta – My favorite option. Gluten-free, clean ingredients, and only 6g net carbs per 1/4 container. Each bag makes about 8 servings, so you’re looking at roughly 3g net carbs per serving.

 

  • Shirataki noodles – Another gluten-free option with almost zero net carbs. These Japanese noodles are made from konjac yam and are mostly water and glucomannan (a soluble fiber). They don’t have much flavor on their own, so they absorb whatever you dress them in. Rinse and dry-fry them well and they work great here.

 

  • Wheat based macaroni – These look the most like real macaroni noodles, but they do contain wheat and run a little higher at 7g net carbs per 2 oz serving.
keto side dish with creamy sauce and crunchy vegetables

Storage information

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is a great make-ahead recipe – I think it actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

Keto Macaroni Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular pasta instead of keto macaroni noodles?

I'd stick with shirataki noodles or another low-carb substitute. Regular pasta will add way too many carbs.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?

You can swap in Greek yogurt or an avocado-based spread. It'll change the flavor and creaminess a bit, but both work.

How long can I store the Keto Macaroni Salad in the fridge?

It keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Give it a good stir before serving since the dressing settles.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Store it in individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or side dishes all week.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

For sure. Diced cucumbers, extra bell peppers, or olives all work well in this salad.

About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

Learn more about Annie View My Cookbook

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Reviews 3
4.8 Stars (11 Reviews)
  1. B
    Betty May 9, 2025

    Super refreshing! The lemon juice gives it a really bright zing. Looked so colorful with the tomato and green pepper. Great summer side dish.

    Reply
  2. B
    Brian T. Apr 23, 2025

    I made this for a weekend picnic and it turned out great. I was glad to find a keto-friendly side dish that didn't feel too heavy. I added a little sea salt to the dressing, probably about half a teaspoon, and it balanced the tang nicely.

    Reply
  3. C
    Cathleen Stratton Jul 9, 2024

    How much salt? Thanks

    Reply

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