Creamy Macaroni Salad (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1/2 pound (250g) elbow macaroni pasta.
02 -
1 stalk of celery, thinly sliced (1 cup).
03 -
1 small red bell pepper, chopped into tiny pieces (3/4 cup).
04 -
1 large green onion, finely chopped (3/4 cup).
05 -
1 medium carrot, shredded with a grater.
06 -
Half a cup of full egg mayo (brands like Best Foods or Hellmann's work perfectly).
07 -
1/2 cup of either yogurt or sour cream, any fat percentage.
08 -
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
09 -
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard.
10 -
2 teaspoons sugar.
11 -
3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
12 -
1 and 1/4 teaspoons of salt.
13 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
# Instructions:
01 -
Fill a big pot with 4-5 liters (quarts) of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of salt, then stir in the macaroni. Follow the package directions for cook time. Drain it well and let it cool before using.
02 -
Take a bowl and whisk together the mayo, yogurt or sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
03 -
In a big serving bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with the sliced celery, diced bell peppers, chopped green onions, and grated carrot. Drizzle the dressing over everything. Toss the mix until every bit is coated evenly.
04 -
Taste and tweak the flavors if needed—add more vinegar, salt, mayo, or sugar. Let the salad sit for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors develop. Serve it at room temperature, or let it chill overnight—it tastes even better the next day.
# Notes:
01 -
Elbow macaroni is the perfect type of pasta for this dish.
02 -
Chopped and shredded veggies, like celery, bell peppers, green onions, and carrots, offer texture and color.
03 -
The dressing is creamy but balanced thanks to both mayo and yogurt or sour cream.
04 -
Cooling the pasta after cooking keeps it from turning soft and mushy.
05 -
Feel free to switch it up with extras like pickles, hard-boiled eggs, or bacon.
06 -
Opt for no mayo in the dressing if you're looking for a lighter version.