Cool and Creamy Macaroni Salad
Elevate your next picnic or potluck with this Cool and Creamy Macaroni Salad, a classic side dish bursting with fresh flavors and velvety texture. Tender elbow macaroni is perfectly coated in a tangy, rich dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, dijon mustard, and a hint of apple cider vinegar for the ultimate creamy balance. Crisp diced celery, sweet shredded carrots, vibrant peas, and the sharp bite of red onion add layers of crunch and color, while fresh parsley ties it all together. Quick to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time, this chilled salad is a make-ahead favorite that only gets better with time as the flavors meld together. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or craving a refreshing side dish, this easy macaroni salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper to make the creamy dressing.
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
Stir in the diced celery, shredded carrots, chopped red onion, thawed peas, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
481 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.3 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 24 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 699 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.8 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 6.8 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 63 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 243 mg | 5% | |
*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.
