Tangy And Creamy Macaroni Salad (Printable version)
Classic macaroni with crunchy vegetables in a tangy, creamy dressing. Ideal for gatherings and outdoor meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
→ 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, shredded
→ Dressing
06 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
07 - 1/4 cup sour cream
08 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
09 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
10 - 2 teaspoons sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
→ Optional Add-ins
14 - 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# How to Prepare:
01 - Boil elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly in a colander, rinse under cold running water to halt cooking, and set aside to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth and fully incorporated.
03 - Add cooled macaroni, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded carrots to the dressing. Gently fold with a spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - If using, fold in sweet pickle relish and fresh chopped parsley for additional flavor and color.
05 - Cover bowl with plastic wrap or lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir once before serving and adjust seasoning if desired. Serve cold.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The dressing strikes that perfect balance between tangy and creamy without coating everything in heavy mayonnaise
- It actually improves after sitting in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep or makeahead gatherings
02 -
- Never dress warm pasta or the mayonnaise will separate and leave you with a greasy unappealing mess
- The salad needs that chilling time not just for temperature but so the pasta absorbs the flavors properly
03 -
- Cut your vegetables slightly smaller than you think necessary for the best texture in every bite
- Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water until it feels genuinely cool to the touch