Macaroni Cheese Salad
Creamy, tangy, and packed with vibrant veggies, this Macaroni Cheese Salad is the ultimate twist on a classic pasta dish! Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a luscious dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and a hint of Dijon mustard, this salad is elevated with the sharp richness of cheddar cheese cubes. Crisp vegetables like grated carrot, diced red bell pepper, and crunchy celery add layers of texture and fresh flavor, while a dash of paprika provides just the right kick. Perfect as a chilled side dish for summer barbecues or a hearty make-ahead lunch, this easy-to-make salad comes together in just 30 minutes and is guaranteed to please any crowd.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams elbow macaroni
- 150 grams cheddar cheese
- 120 grams mayonnaise
- 60 grams sour cream
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 large celery stalk, finely diced
- 2 stalks spring onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking.
Cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes or grate it, depending on your preference, and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Whisk until smooth.
Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the mixing bowl along with the grated carrot, diced red bell pepper, diced celery, and chopped spring onions. Toss to combine.
Fold in the cheddar cheese gently to ensure even distribution without breaking it apart.
Season the salad with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a final toss to refresh the dressing. Serve chilled as a delicious side dish or light meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
434 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.5 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.0 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 39 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 698 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.9 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 12.4 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 216 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 206 mg | 4% | |
*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.
