Tangy And Creamy Macaroni Salad (Printable version)
Classic pasta salad with crisp vegetables in zesty cream dressing, perfect for outdoor gatherings and casual meals.
# What you'll need:
→ Pasta
01 - 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup finely diced celery
03 - 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
04 - 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
05 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
→ 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
# Directions:
01 - Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold running water to halt cooking. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool completely.
02 - In a separate medium 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 tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if desired. Serve cold.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The dressing strikes that perfect balance between sharp vinegar and mellow creaminess
- It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge, making it the ultimate make ahead side
02 -
- Hot pasta will melt your dressing and make everything separate. Cool it completely first.
- This salad needs that full hour in the fridge or it will taste like separate ingredients instead of a unified dish.
03 -
- Cut your vegetables slightly larger than you think you need. They shrink a bit after sitting in the dressing.
- Taste your dressing before adding it to the pasta. Adjust then rather than trying to fix it later.