Description
This delicious cold macaroni salad is perfect for easy summer picnics, combining tender elbow macaroni with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing. The salad is chilled to meld flavors, offering a refreshing and satisfying side dish that pairs well with a variety of summer meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (cooked until al dente)
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mix of colors)
- 1 cup sweet pickles, chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, finely shredded
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup pickle juice (from sweet pickle jar)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (keep to a minimum)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley & dill)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by gathering all ingredients and preparing the vegetables by chopping the bell peppers and sweet pickles, finely chopping the celery, and shredding the carrots.
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni in a pot of heavily salted boiling water for about 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Make Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, pickle juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, add the chopped bell peppers, celery, shredded carrots, and sweet pickles. Mix these vegetables thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Mix Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture and the cooled macaroni. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Final Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding a splash of vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors according to your preference.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream lowers the fat content, making the salad lighter.
- Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Chilling the salad for at least an hour is important for optimal flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the salad’s spiciness.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and dill add brightness and freshness to the dish.
