Broccoli Macaroni Salad
Brighten up your next gathering with this refreshing and creamy Broccoli Macaroni Salad, a delicious twist on a classic pasta salad that combines tender elbow macaroni, crisp blanched broccoli florets, and tangy cheddar cheese. Tossed in a velvety dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, this dish strikes the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet. A sprinkle of red onion and optional bacon bits adds layers of flavor and texture. Ideal as a make-ahead side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or casual family dinners, this vibrant and colorful salad is sure to be the star of the table. Quick to prepare and even better when chilled, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups Broccoli florets
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.25 cup Red onion (finely chopped)
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup Sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Cooked bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
While the macaroni is cooking, cut the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces, and blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool down.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Add the cooked macaroni, blanched broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, and bacon bits (if using) to the bowl with the dressing.
Toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve chilled as a side dish or light meal, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2934 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 189.0 g | 242% | |
| Saturated Fat | 56.4 g | 282% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 351 mg | 117% | |
| Sodium | 4694 mg | 204% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 214.9 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.3 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.0 g | ||
| Protein | 107.6 g | 215% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 976 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 720 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
