Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad (Printable)

Tender pasta with crisp vegetables in a creamy, tangy dressing—ideal for picnics and gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz elbow macaroni

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup celery, finely diced
03 - 1 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
04 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
05 - 1/2 cup carrots, grated
06 - 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

→ Dressing

07 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
08 - 2 tbsp sour cream
09 - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
10 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 tsp sugar
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

→ Garnish (Optional)

14 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool completely.
02 - In a large bowl, combine celery, red bell pepper, red onion, carrots, and peas.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
04 - Add the cooled macaroni and vegetables to the dressing. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
07 - Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving, if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple, easy-to-follow steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: A perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures that everyone loves.
  • Perfect for Parties: It’s a make-ahead hero that tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for any gathering.
  • Easily Customizable: Simple to adapt with different veggies, proteins, or by making the dressing lighter.
02 -
  • Cool Pasta Completely: Ensure the macaroni is fully cooled and drained before mixing. Adding warm pasta to the dressing can make it oily and thin.
  • Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerating the salad for at least one hour is essential. This step allows the dressing to be absorbed by the pasta and the flavors of the vegetables to meld together.
  • Check for Allergens: For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free macaroni. Always double-check ingredient labels for potential allergens like eggs or dairy if you have dietary concerns.
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