Take your barbecue side dishes to the next level with this irresistible Macaroni Salad inspired by Dinosaur BBQ's bold flavors! This creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky pasta salad combines tender macaroni with a rich dressing made of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, and a touch of honey for sweetness. The addition of crunchy diced celery, red bell pepper, zesty red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese adds layers of texture and flavor, while a sprinkle of smoked paprika gives it a subtle BBQ kick. Perfectly chilled and packed with bold, smoky undertones, this macaroni salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for backyard cookouts, picnics, or potlucks. Ready in just 30 minutes, plus a couple of hours to chill, this make-ahead side is a flavorful twist on a classic that's guaranteed to complement any summer feast.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, sweet pickle relish, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Add the cooled macaroni pasta to the bowl and gently toss to coat evenly with the dressing.
Fold in the celery, red bell pepper, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve chilled and enjoy this bold, smoky-flavored macaroni salad perfect for any BBQ feast!
Calories |
4407 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 243.0 g | 312% | |
| Saturated Fat | 56.7 g | 284% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 413 mg | 138% | |
| Sodium | 4918 mg | 214% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 465.8 g | 169% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.0 g | 89% | |
| Total Sugars | 71.0 g | ||
| Protein | 96.2 g | 192% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1206 mg | 93% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 2482 mg | 53% | |
*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.