Homemade Macaroni Salad
A delightful and creamy macaroni salad featuring fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, perfect for gatherings and summer picnics.
Ingredients
Pasta & Vegetables
- ½ pound short pasta (macaroni, elbows, or rotini) Use quality pasta for the best texture.
- 1 cup frozen peas Add to the pasta during the last half of cooking.
- 1 piece red bell pepper (diced) Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 piece carrot (grated) Provides a crunchy texture.
- 1 piece red onion (finely chopped) For flavor and crunch.
- 1 rib celery (thinly sliced) Adds freshness.
- ½ cup dill pickles (chopped) For a tangy kick.
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo) Real mayonnaise gives a richer flavor.
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt) Adds creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar For acidity.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds a bit of tang.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional) Can substitute with maple syrup or honey.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta & Peas
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ½ pound of short pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
- About halfway through the pasta’s cooking time, toss in 1 cup of frozen peas directly into the same pot.
Draining & Cooling
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and immediately rinse under cold water for about 15 seconds.
Making the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Whisk until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
Combining & Serving
- In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta and peas.
- Add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 grated carrot, 1 finely chopped red onion, 1 thinly sliced rib of celery, and ½ cup of chopped dill pickles.
- Pour in the creamy dressing and mix everything well.
- You can serve it immediately or chill in the fridge, covered, until you are ready to enjoy.
Notes
Macaroni salad can be enhanced with fresh herbs, fruits, or proteins such as chicken or chickpeas for added texture and flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
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