Kiddie Macaroni Salad
Brighten up mealtime with this delightful Kiddie Macaroni Salad, a colorful and creamy pasta dish that's sure to win over even the pickiest eaters! Featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed in a luscious dressing of mayonnaise, tangy yogurt, honey, and apple cider vinegar, this kid-friendly recipe is bursting with flavor and texture. Each bite is packed with shredded carrots, sweet peas, crunchy red bell peppers, and savory bits of cheddar cheese, with the optional addition of sliced mini hot dogs or chicken sausages for extra fun. Ready in just 25 minutes, this chilled salad is a perfect make-ahead side dish for family gatherings, picnics, or even weeknight dinners. Nutritious and irresistibly tasty, it’s a surefire way to add a dash of whimsy to your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 0.5 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mini hot dogs or chicken sausages (optional, sliced)
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta completely. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a smooth and creamy dressing.
Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Fold in the shredded carrots, thawed peas, diced red bell pepper, cubed cheddar cheese, and sliced mini hot dogs or chicken sausages (if using). Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve chilled and enjoy this kid-approved macaroni salad as a side dish or a light meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
743 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.3 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.0 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 76 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 1060 mg | 46% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.1 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.3 g | ||
| Protein | 21.8 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 341 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 371 mg | 8% | |
*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.
