Macaroni Salad (Printable Version)
Tangy creamy macaroni with crisp vegetables and optional eggs, chilled for a refreshing summer side or picnic favorite.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 8.8 ounces elbow macaroni
→ 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 sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Optional Additions
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
15 - 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, shredded carrots, and thawed peas.
03 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth.
04 - Pour dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Fold in chopped fresh parsley and hard-boiled eggs if desired.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
07 - Stir gently before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.
# Top Tips:
01 -
- If you tuck it in the fridge for an hour, the flavors become best friends―no more bland pasta salad.
- It works just as beautifully for midnight fridge raids as it does at an outdoor picnic blanket.
02 -
- I once oversalted the pasta and paid the price: season the cooking water, sure, but don’t go overboard.
- Letting the salad rest in the fridge instead of rushing it completely transforms the flavors―resist digging in too soon.
03 -
- Rinsing pasta under cold water isn’t just for temperature; it keeps the salad light and the texture spot on.
- Using a deep mixing bowl gives you room to fold ingredients without spillage or smashing anything delicate.