Description

Macaroni salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, and casual gatherings. This creamy pasta salad features short pasta tossed with colorful vegetables, all enveloped in a tangy mayonnaise-yogurt dressing that adds a delicious twist. Quick to prepare and adaptable to your taste preferences, this macaroni salad is sure to impress your guests or make weeknight dinners easy and enjoyable. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, it’s the ideal side dish for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

½ pound short pasta (macaroni, elbows, or rotini)
1 cup frozen peas
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1 carrot (grated)
1 red onion (finely chopped)
1 rib celery (thinly sliced)
½ cup dill pickles (chopped)
½ cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
½ cup Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar (optional – sub maple or honey)

Instructions

In a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil and cook the short pasta according to package instructions. Add the frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
Drain the pasta and peas in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and peas with the diced red bell pepper, grated carrot, chopped red onion, sliced celery, and dill pickles. Pour the dressing over the top and mix thoroughly.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least one hour for enhanced flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Customize your macaroni salad by adding proteins like cooked chicken or turkey for extra heartiness. Experiment with different vegetables such as cucumbers or corn for added texture. For an extra flavor boost, let the salad chill overnight before serving.