Macaroni Salad

5 from 2 votes

Looking for a delicious and satisfying Macaroni Salad that packs a punch of flavor? Look no further! This recipe is the perfect combination of tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a robustly flavored dressing that will leave your taste buds tingling.

Prep Time15

Cook Time9

Total Time24

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Vegetarian

Keyword: Macaroni Salad, Macaroni Salad recipe

Servings: servings (as a side)

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $7.82

Equipment

Large bowl

Ingredients

3 cups elbow pasta or similar pasta variety, 13 ounces, see note 1
Salt and pepper
1-1/2 cups finely diced celery 3 large stalks
1 large red bell pepper finely diced
3/4 cup thinly sliced green onions 1 bunch
1-1/2 cups grated carrot 3 carrots

Dressing

3/4 cup mayo like Best Foods/Hellman’s
3/4 cup sour cream
1-1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon celery seed optional

US - Metric

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Once water is boiling, add salt—about 1 tablespoon for every 4 quarts of water. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions (for the lowest time indicated). Once pasta is cooked, drain and let it cool. Toss a few times as it cools to keep it from sticking together. While pasta is cooking and cooling, prep veggies: finely dice celery, pepper, and green onions. Peel and grate the carrots (on the large holes of a grater).
Meanwhile, combine the dressing ingredients. Season to taste. (I add 1 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp pepper.)
Once pasta is cooled, put it in a large bowl. Add the prepared veggies (carrots, celery, onion, and pepper). Pour the dressing over all the ingredients and toss everything together.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, sugar, vinegar, or mayo as needed until flavors sing.
Let the salad chill for at least 20–30 minutes before serving. Serve at room temperature, tossing again before serving. Salad is still delicious for the next couple of days; just toss well before serving.

Video

Notes

Note 1: Don’t use the entire package here—it will be too much pasta for the amount of veggies and dressing. Three cups is perfect!

Storage: Store in the fridge in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap for up to 4 days. For best freshness, press the wrap directly on the salad’s surface.

Nutrition