Chameleon Macaroni Salad
Brighten up your table with the versatile and colorful "Chameleon Macaroni Salad," a dish that adapts to any palate or occasion! This crowd-pleasing salad boasts tender elbow macaroni coated in a creamy dressing made with mayo, tangy Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey for balance. Bursting with crunchy diced celery, shredded carrot, vibrant red bell pepper, sweet peas, and cubed cheddar cheese, this recipe delivers texture and flavor in every bite. Finished with fresh parsley and optional paprika for a pop of color, this chilled delight is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a quick weeknight side. With just 15 minutes of prep and a short cooling time, it's a fresh, make-ahead dish that tastes even better as the flavors meld. Easy, customizable, and loaded with veggies, this macaroni salad is designed to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (dry) elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
- 0.5 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 0.5 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper to create a creamy dressing.
Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat evenly.
Fold in the diced celery, shredded carrot, red bell pepper, red onion, thawed peas, and cubed cheddar cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch of paprika, if desired, for added color and flavor.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
536 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.2 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.0 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 37 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 809 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.6 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 13.3 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 197 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 272 mg | 6% | |
*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.
