Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe
This Easy Macaroni Salad is a classic, creamy, and flavorful side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. Made with tender elbow macaroni, fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing, it’s both refreshing and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 6 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 red onion, minced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Drain thoroughly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cubed cheddar cheese, minced red onion, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, and thawed peas. Toss gently to mix.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, chopped fresh dill, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then toss until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing macaroni salad.
Notes
- For best texture, be sure to rinse the pasta under cold water immediately after cooking.
- Feel free to add or substitute vegetables such as chopped cucumbers, carrots, or green onions.
- The salad tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing based on your preferred sweetness.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: macaroni salad, easy macaroni salad, macaroni salad recipe, summer salad, picnic salad, creamy pasta salad
Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/easy-macaroni-salad-recipe/
