Tangy And Creamy Macaroni Salad (Printable)
Classic pasta salad with crunchy veggies in tangy creamy dressing. Ideal for gatherings and outdoor meals.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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:
01 - Boil macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to halt cooking. Transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool completely.
02 - Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a separate mixing bowl until completely smooth and well incorporated.
03 - Add cooled macaroni, diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded carrots to the dressing. Fold gently with a spatula until all components are evenly coated.
04 - If using, fold in sweet pickle relish and fresh chopped parsley for additional sweetness and herbal notes.
05 - Cover bowl securely with plastic wrap or lid. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, preferably 2-3 hours, to allow flavors to meld and develop.
06 - Stir salad once before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. Serve cold.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The perfect balance of creamy and tangy that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
- Crunchy vegetables add fresh texture that prevents the salad from feeling heavy
- It actually tastes better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or make-ahead parties
02 -
- Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so the salad might look slightly dry after chilling—stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or splash of vinegar before serving if needed
- This recipe actually improves overnight in the refrigerator, making it perfect for preparing the day before your event
03 -
- Rinse cooked pasta thoroughly with cold water until it feels completely cool to the touch—warm pasta makes dressing separate and turn oily
- Cut all your vegetables slightly smaller than you think necessary because they need to distribute evenly throughout each bite