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Family Favorite Macaroni Salad creamy summer side dish

Family Favorite Macaroni Salad: A Creamy Classic for Every Gathering

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  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
  • Yield: 8 cups 1x
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Family Favorite Macaroni Salad is a vibrant, creamy delight packed with crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and a tangy homemade dressing—perfect for gatherings or a satisfying lunch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Salad
  • 1 lb uncooked macaroni pasta
  • 0.5 cup diced red onion
  • 1 medium red bell pepper
  • 3 short celery ribs
  • 0.25 cup diced green onion
  • 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh dill weed
  • For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Boil 1 lb of uncooked macaroni pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Aim for al dente texture, usually around 8 minutes, then drain and let it cool until it’s no longer scalding hot.

2. While the pasta is cooking, finely dice 1/2 cup red onion, 1 medium red bell pepper, and 3 short celery ribs. Don’t forget to chop 1/4 cup of green onion, 2 tbsp parsley, and 1 tbsp dill weed.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with your diced vegetables and herbs. Gently fold everything together until evenly mixed.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt.

5. Pour the dressing into the bowl with the pasta mixture. Stir gently until the dressing is evenly incorporated.

6. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer your salad into a food storage container with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.


Notes

Optional: Garnish with extra parsley before serving.

Feel free to substitute red onion with green onion for a milder flavor.

Swap celery with cucumbers for a crunchier twist.

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg