Classic Macaroni Salad (Printable)
Creamy macaroni tossed with crunchy veggies and a tangy dressing, chilled for a refreshing summer side.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
→ Vegetables
02 - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
03 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
05 - 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
06 - 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
→ Dressing
07 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
08 - 2 tablespoons sour cream
09 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Optional Additions
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
15 - 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
# Method:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, carrots, and peas. Toss to distribute vegetables evenly.
03 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
04 - Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until all ingredients are coated evenly.
05 - If desired, gently fold in chopped parsley and chopped hard-boiled eggs for additional flavor and texture.
06 - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
07 - Before serving, stir salad gently and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- This salad is your secret weapon when you need a picnic side that stays cool and creamy even on the hottest days.
- It quickly turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something a little bit special thanks to its punchy flavor and colorful crunch.
02 -
- Once I tried skipping the pasta rinse, and the salad turned oddly sticky and gloopy—always rinse thoroughly.
- The salad gets more flavorful after a good chill, so don’t rush serving it.
03 -
- Be gentle when tossing in the dressing to avoid breaking up the macaroni and veggies.
- Stir just before serving, as the pasta soaks up dressing while chilling and you may want to add a bit more to freshen it up.