If ever there was a celebration of summer sides, Creamy Macaroni Salad is it! There’s something so nostalgic about a heaping bowl of this cool, colorful salad tucked between picnic plates and backyard barbecue favorites. This version is rich and ultra-creamy, studded with crunchy veggies, tangy pickles, and hearty pasta—plus a perfectly balanced, dreamy dressing that ties it all together. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and has folks coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Macaroni Salad starts with a handful of humble ingredients, but together they create an irresistible chorus of textures and flavors. Each component has a purpose: crunch, creaminess, tang, color, and that old-fashioned comfort you crave.
- Elbow macaroni (2 cups, cooked and cooled): The classic shape for this salad—perfect for catching all the creamy dressing.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The rich, silky backbone of the dressing that makes the salad so luxurious.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds tang and lightness, balancing out the mayo for a dressing that isn’t too heavy.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): A subtle hint of sharpness that wakes up all the flavors.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): For irresistible zing and brightness in every bite.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just enough to mellow out the acidity and enhance the vegetables.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together—don’t be shy, but taste as you go!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle kick that keeps things interesting.
- Celery, diced (1/2 cup): Fresh crunch that’s simply classic in a macaroni salad.
- Red bell pepper, diced (1/2 cup): Adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- Red onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): A touch of bite—chop it finely so it blends right in.
- Dill pickles, chopped (1/4 cup): Gives the salad a delightful tangy, briny edge.
- Hard-boiled eggs, chopped (2): For extra richness, protein, and that unmistakable homemade touch.
How to Make Creamy Macaroni Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Begin by boiling your elbow macaroni in well-salted water, following the package instructions until the pasta is just al dente. Once perfectly tender, drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and chills the noodles, which keeps your Creamy Macaroni Salad from getting mushy—a total game changer!
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. You want a completely smooth, velvety dressing that smells bright and inviting. This is the gravy for your macaroni!
Step 3: Add the Veggies, Pickles, and Eggs
To the bowl, pile in the cooled macaroni, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and chopped dill pickles. Sprinkle in your chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra richness. All the colors and textures should already look irresistible together!
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until every macaroni noodle and crunchy veggie is evenly coated in that creamy, tangy dressing. Take a taste at this point—it’s so tempting! Adjust seasoning as desired with a bit more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling time is what turns a good Creamy Macaroni Salad into a great one, as all the flavors meld and the salad gets extra cold and refreshing. Before serving, give it another gentle stir and taste for final adjustments.
How to Serve Creamy Macaroni Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of paprika is all you need to give your Creamy Macaroni Salad that extra-special look. A few sliced green onions or a handful of additional diced pickles on top will take it over the top in both appearance and flavor.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings are where this salad shines. Serve it alongside burgers, grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or veggie skewers. It’s the cooling companion to spicy mains and the perfect filler in any picnic basket. Trust me, you’ll want it at every cookout and potluck.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning your Creamy Macaroni Salad into individual jars or cups for easy-to-serve, portable portions. For a festive touch, nestle it in lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell pepper halves. Don’t be afraid to make it the centerpiece—serve piled high on a platter, surrounded by crisp veggies and deviled eggs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Creamy Macaroni Salad chilled in an airtight container. It holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, and seems to get even more delicious as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze Creamy Macaroni Salad, it’s not recommended. The dressing tends to separate and the vegetables lose their crispness once thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold, so no reheating is necessary. If it’s been in the fridge for a while and seems a bit dry, simply stir in a spoonful of extra mayo or a dash of pickle juice to revive the creamy texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Macaroni Salad a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows all those wonderful flavors to meld, resulting in an even tastier salad the next day. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What are the best pasta shapes to use?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but you can certainly use small shells, ditalini, or even rotini if that’s what you have on hand. The key is choosing a shape that holds onto the dressing well.
How can I lighten up Creamy Macaroni Salad?
For a lighter version, swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream or use reduced-fat mayonnaise. You could also add more crunchy veggies and cut back slightly on the mayo without sacrificing flavor.
Is Creamy Macaroni Salad gluten-free?
Traditional macaroni contains gluten, but you can easily use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible for everyone.
What if I don’t like pickles or onions?
Feel free to leave either out, or substitute with chopped green olives, capers, or extra bell peppers for a personal twist. This salad is very forgiving and can easily be customized to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something instantly joyful about sharing a bowl of Creamy Macaroni Salad—it brings everyone to the table with its creamy comfort and lively crunch. If you haven’t made it from scratch before, you’re in for a treat. Go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch it become a new staple at your family gatherings!
Print
Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Macaroni Salad is a classic picnic side dish featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich and tangy dressing, with crunchy vegetables and protein-packed eggs for added texture and flavor. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a satisfying side dish any time of the year.
Ingredients
Macaroni:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, pickles, and chopped eggs to the bowl. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, add a splash of pickle juice or more mustard.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a lighter version.
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