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.

Table of Contents

Key Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni: The base of the salad, cooked to al dente for the perfect texture.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These create a creamy and tangy dressing that brings all the flavors together.
Fresh Vegetables: Celery, red onion, bell pepper, and grated carrot add crunch and color.
Seasonings: Apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, and garlic powder enhance the dressing, while sweet relish adds a hint of sweetness.
Optional Add-Ins: Hard-boiled eggs for added protein and richness, and fresh parsley for garnish.

How to Make Macaroni Salad

Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet relish until smooth.
Mix the Salad: Combine the cooled macaroni with the dressing and fold in diced celery, red onion, bell pepper, grated carrot, chopped parsley, and hard-boiled eggs if using. Mix gently until well coated.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Stir well before serving.

What to Serve with Creamy Pasta Salad

Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breast or thighs make a perfect protein pairing.
Barbecue Ribs: The sweetness of macaroni salad complements smoky barbecue flavors.
Fresh Green Salad: A light side salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the macaroni salad.
Sandwiches: Serve alongside deli-style sandwiches or burgers for a delightful meal.
Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta salad.

Creamy Macaroni Salad

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Chill Time

hour

Creamy Macaroni Salad is a delightful blend of al dente elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing made with mayonnaise and sour cream. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish, this refreshing salad is easy to make and packed with flavor. Enjoy it chilled for a satisfying dish that everyone will love!

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)

Directions

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.
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.
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.
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!