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Sweet Macaroni Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 49 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling and No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Sweet Macaroni Salad is a delightful and creamy side dish featuring cooked elbow macaroni tossed in a tangy, sweet dressing with fresh vegetables like celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and peas. It’s chilled to meld the flavors perfectly, making it a refreshing accompaniment for picnics, barbecues, or any casual meal. Optional chopped hard-boiled egg adds an extra touch of richness.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Vegetables & Garnish

  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (thawed)
  • 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until smooth and well-blended.
  3. Add the vegetables: To the prepared dressing, add the diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and thawed peas. Gently stir to incorporate the vegetables evenly into the dressing without mashing them.
  4. Combine with pasta: Add the cooled cooked macaroni to the bowl containing the dressing and vegetables. Mix all ingredients carefully until the pasta is fully coated with the dressing and the vegetables are evenly distributed.
  5. Chill: Cover the macaroni salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up slightly for the best taste and texture.
  6. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to rearrange any settled ingredients. Optionally, garnish with chopped hard-boiled egg for added richness and serve the salad cold as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

  • Ensure to rinse the cooked pasta in cold water to prevent it from becoming mushy and to cool it for the salad.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the hard-boiled egg garnish.
  • Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet salad.
  • This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Make sure to thaw frozen peas fully and drain any excess water before adding to avoid excess moisture.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/sweet-macaroni-salad-recipe/