Easy Elbow Macaroni Salad
Creamy, tangy, and delightfully simple, this Easy Elbow Macaroni Salad is a must-have for picnics, potlucks, or any casual gathering. Featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed in a rich blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, and yellow mustard, this classic dish gets a refreshing crunch from celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. Hard-boiled eggs add a hearty touch, while a hint of apple cider vinegar and a dash of sugar balance the flavor perfectly. Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is best served chilled, making it an ideal make-ahead side. Garnished with a sprinkle of paprika for an extra pop of color, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 units celery stalks, chopped
- 1 unit red bell pepper, diced
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 units hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta completely. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the dressing. Mix well to combine.
Gently fold the cooled macaroni into the dressing mixture, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
Season the salad with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, sprinkle paprika over the top for a pop of color, if desired.
Serve cold and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3009 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 211.7 g | 271% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.4 g | 172% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 665 mg | 222% | |
| Sodium | 2333 mg | 101% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 233.2 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.4 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.3 g | ||
| Protein | 48.7 g | 97% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.2 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 282 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 768 mg | 16% | |
*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.
