Classic Cold Macaroni Salad (Print Version)

Tender macaroni combined with crisp vegetables and creamy tangy dressing, perfect chilled side dish.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz 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 grated carrots
06 - 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas

→ Dressing

07 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
08 - 2 tbsp sour cream
09 - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
10 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 tsp sugar
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

→ Garnish (Optional)

14 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives

# Directions:

01 - Boil macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely.
02 - In a large bowl, mix celery, red bell pepper, red onion, carrots, and peas until evenly distributed.
03 - Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and homogenous.
04 - Add cooled macaroni and vegetables to the dressing and carefully fold until fully coated.
05 - Sample and adjust seasoning if necessary to balance flavors.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
07 - Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives prior to serving if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes even better the next day.
  • The mayo-based dressing clings to every piece, so you get creamy bites all the way through.
  • It feeds a crowd without requiring you to fuss over a hot stove while hosting.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the hot pasta—it's the difference between a creamy salad and a gluey one.
  • The dressing will taste bold on its own, but it mellows once it coats the pasta, so resist the urge to add more mayo at the end.
03 -
  • Pat your thawed peas and rinsed pasta completely dry with paper towels to keep the dressing from getting watery.
  • Always taste the dressing before mixing it with the pasta so you can adjust the salt and vinegar to your preference.
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