Creamy Macaroni Salad

Discover the ultimate creamy macaroni salad recipe perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. This easy-to-make pasta salad features a tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar, combined with crunchy celery, red onion, bell pepper, and fresh parsley. Optional hard-boiled eggs add extra protein and flavor. Chill it for an hour to let the flavors meld, and enjoy a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to be a hit at any event. Perfect for BBQs, parties, and make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons sweet relish

For the Macaroni Salad:

• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 1 cup diced celery (about 2-3 stalks)
• 1/2 medium red onion, diced
• 1/2 red or green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the elbow macaroni to al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set it aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Add the sweet relish and stir until well incorporated.
3. Mix the Salad: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Then, add the diced celery, red onion, bell pepper, grated carrot, chopped parsley, and hard-boiled eggs, if using. Gently mix everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well-coated with the dressing.
4. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste. Before serving, give the salad a good stir to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Enjoy your creamy macaroni salad!