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Creamy Dreamy Macaroni Salad: Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser! Make the ultimate Macaroni Salad! This creamy, tangy recipe is packed with fresh veggies and is perfect fo

Creamy Dreamy Macaroni Salad: Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser!

This creamy, dreamy Macaroni Salad is the ultimate potluck and BBQ essential. Forget bland, boring pasta salads – this recipe delivers a vibrant mix of textures and a perfectly balanced tangy dressing that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Loaded with crisp celery, sweet red bell peppers, sharp green onions, and a touch of grated carrot for color and sweetness, this Macaroni Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's simple to make, requires no complex techniques, and the flavors only get
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. 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.