Description
This savory macaroni salad is creamy, tangy, and packed with crunchy vegetables, cheddar cheese, smoky paprika, and zesty dressing. Inspired by bold American comfort food flavors, it is the perfect make-ahead side dish for cookouts, picnics, potlucks, and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package directions.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, celery, and diced dill pickles to the dressing mixture.
- Stir well to combine the vegetables evenly.
- Add the cooled macaroni and toss gently until fully coated with the dressing.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour.
- Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve cold and enjoy.
Notes
- Elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells or rotini also work well.
- Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter option.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Grilled chicken, turkey, or hard-boiled eggs add extra protein.
- Sweet corn, peas, or diced apples create a sweeter variation.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise before serving leftovers if needed.
- Freezing is not recommended because the dressing may separate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
