Meal in One Macaroni Salad
Transform your next meal into a crowd-pleasing sensation with this 'Meal in One Macaroni Salad,' a hearty and flavorful twist on the classic pasta salad. Bursting with tender elbow macaroni, succulent diced chicken, protein-packed chopped hard-boiled eggs, and vibrant vegetables like celery, red bell pepper, and sweet peas, this dish delivers a perfect balance of textures and nutrients. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, sour cream, a hint of mustard, and apple cider vinegar, ties everything together with a tangy-savory finish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for make-ahead meals, potlucks, or picnics, this chilled salad is a complete meal in itself that delights with every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 3 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to cool, and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken breast, chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, and thawed peas.
In a separate smaller bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasonings, 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 gentle stir and sprinkle with paprika if desired for a pop of color.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3817 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 229.9 g | 295% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.7 g | 198% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1166 mg | 389% | |
| Sodium | 3684 mg | 160% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 260.8 g | 95% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.7 g | 92% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.5 g | ||
| Protein | 173.1 g | 346% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 417 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 16.7 mg | 93% | |
| Potassium | 2355 mg | 50% | |
*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.
