Tangy Creamy Macaroni Salad (Print Version)
Classic American macaroni salad with crisp veggies and tangy creamy dressing, perfect for gatherings.
# What You 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)
→ Optional Add-ins
14 - 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to halt cooking. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
03 - Add the cooled macaroni, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded carrots to the dressing. Gently fold all ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
04 - For enhanced flavor, fold in sweet pickle relish and chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently to distribute throughout the salad.
05 - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
06 - Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled.
# Insider Tips:
01 -
- The tang from apple cider vinegar cuts through the creamy dressing in a way that keeps people coming back for seconds.
- Everything comes together in about thirty minutes with ingredients you probably already have.
02 -
- Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents it from getting mushy.
- The salad tastes significantly better after an hour in the fridge so plan ahead.
03 -
- Dice all vegetables to about the same size as the macaroni for the perfect bite every time.
- Greek yogurt works beautifully in place of sour cream for a lighter version.