Creamy Dreamy Macaroni Salad: Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser!
Enjoy this creamy macaroni salad featuring tender elbow macaroni, crisp celery, bell peppers, and green onions for a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
- 250 g / 1/2 lb elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 1/2 tbsp salt (to cook pasta)
- 1 cup celery (, finely sliced (1 stalk))
- 3/4 cup red capsicum / bell peppers (, finely diced (1 small))
- 3/4 cup green onions (, finely sliced (1 large stem))
- 1 medium carrot (, grated (using standard box grater))
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann's, Best Foods, S&W or other whole egg mayonnaise)
- 1/2 cup yoghurt or sour cream (, full or low fat)
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water (4-5 litres/quarts) to a rolling boil. Add 1 1/2 tbsp salt, then add 250g elbow macaroni. Cook according to packet directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing: whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup yoghurt or sour cream, 1 tbsp cider vinegar, and 2 tsp Dijon mustard in a medium bowl until smooth.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, 1 cup celery, 3/4 cup red bell pepper, 3/4 cup green onions, and 1 grated carrot.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – add more salt, a touch more vinegar for tang, or a bit more mayo for creaminess. Let the salad sit for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld before serving at room temperature. It's even better the next day!
Notes
- For best results, let the salad sit for at least 20 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- If you prefer a firmer pasta, reduce cooking time slightly. For softer pasta, cook a minute longer.
- This salad is best served at room temperature, not chilled straight from the fridge. If making ahead, take it out of the fridge 30 minutes prior to serving.
- Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- If you prefer a firmer pasta, reduce cooking time slightly. For softer pasta, cook a minute longer.
- This salad is best served at room temperature, not chilled straight from the fridge. If making ahead, take it out of the fridge 30 minutes prior to serving.
- Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.