Creamy Macaroni Salad

Creamy Macaroni Salad: A Summertime Delight

Macaroni salad is a classic side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal. This creamy version is packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein for a side dish everyone will love!

Ingredients:

• Macaroni:
  • 1 pound (454g) elbow macaroni
• Vegetables:
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• Dressing:
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cooking Guide:

1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions for al dente pasta. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, dice the celery, bell pepper, red onion, and peas (if using fresh).
3. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled macaroni, chopped vegetables, and creamy dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to cool completely.
6. Serve Chilled: Garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives before serving.

Tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta for the best texture. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the salad.
• Customize It: Feel free to add your favorite chopped vegetables, cooked and crumbled protein like ham or chicken, or chopped hard-boiled eggs.
• Leftovers: Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Creamy vs. Tangy: For a tangier taste, add an extra tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• For a Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise and omit any cheese or meat add-ins.

Enjoy this delicious creamy macaroni salad at your next summer gathering!