Tangy And Creamy Macaroni Salad (Print Layout)

A classic cold pasta salad with crisp vegetables in a tangy, creamy dressing. Ideal for outdoor gatherings and easy entertaining.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

→ Vegetables

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

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Prepare elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Allow pasta to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined.
03 - Add cooled macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded carrots to the dressing. Gently fold together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - If using, fold in sweet pickle relish and chopped fresh parsley for additional flavor and color.
05 - Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving chilled. Adjust seasonings if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The dressing has this perfect tangy kick that keeps everyone guessing what makes it so good
  • It actually gets better after sitting in the fridge so you can make it ahead without stress
  • The vegetable ratio means every bite has crunch not just occasional disappointing spoonfuls
02 -
  • Rinsing the pasta under cold water is absolutely necessary or it will keep cooking and become mushy in the salad
  • The salad needs at least an hour in the fridge but if you try it after 30 minutes it will taste different trust the process
  • Seasoning cold food requires a heavier hand than hot food so do not be afraid to salt more than seems right
03 -
  • Double the dressing recipe and keep half in a sealed container to refresh leftovers the next day
  • If bringing to a party transport the salad in a cooler then transfer to a serving bowl there

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