Fresh N Tasty Macaroni Salad
Brighten up your next gathering with this Fresh N Tasty Macaroni Salad, a classic side dish elevated with a tangy twist! Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, this recipe combines vibrant flavors with a satisfying crunch from fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and red bell peppers. A hint of sweetness from granulated sugar balances the tang, while fresh parsley adds a burst of herbaceous freshness. Perfectly chilled for a refreshing bite, this quick and easy macaroni salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or even weeknight dinners. Ready in just 30 minutes (plus chilling time), it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. Great taste, simple preparation, and colorful ingredients make this macaroni salad not just a side but a showstopper!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams elbow macaroni
- 200 grams mayonnaise
- 100 grams sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, shredded or finely diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to cool it completely. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Add the cooled macaroni to the mixing bowl with the dressing, and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Carefully fold in the chopped celery, shredded carrot, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley until all ingredients are well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2978 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 172.9 g | 222% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.6 g | 133% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 246 mg | 82% | |
| Sodium | 3468 mg | 151% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 304.5 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.5 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.6 g | ||
| Protein | 49.7 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 287 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 12.5 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 1048 mg | 22% | |
*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.
