Tangy and Creamy Macaroni Salad (Printable)

Tender macaroni tossed with crunchy vegetables in a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect chilled side for summer gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 cup celery, finely diced
03 - 1 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
04 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
05 - 1/2 cup carrots, shredded

→ Dressing

06 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
07 - 1/4 cup sour cream
08 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
09 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
10 - 2 teaspoons sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Optional Add-ins

14 - 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# How To Make It:

01 - Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool completely.
02 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth and well blended.
03 - Add cooled macaroni, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded carrots to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
04 - If using, fold in sweet pickle relish and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
05 - Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir once before serving chilled. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • That tangy sweet dressing keeps everyone guessing whats in it
  • It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a day
  • The vegetable crunch balances out the rich creaminess perfectly
02 -
  • The pasta will absorb dressing as it sits, so do not be afraid to add a splash more before serving
  • Cutting your vegetables into tiny, uniform pieces makes every bite perfectly balanced
  • Letting it rest in the fridge is not optional, it is when the flavors become best friends
03 -
  • Rinse your pasta with cold water until it is completely cool, otherwise the heat will make your dressing separate
  • Taste the dressing before adding it to the pasta, everyone likes their balance of tangy and sweet a little different

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