Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe
User Reviews
5
Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe
Description
Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe brings together cooked elbow macaroni tossed with a tangy dressing featuring mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh dill for a bright herbaceous note. The salad includes cubed cheddar cheese for a creamy savory flavor, diced red onion for sharpness, red bell pepper for sweetness and crunch, and thawed peas for a pop of color and texture. Combining all ingredients chilled helps the flavors meld, resulting in a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet salad with varied textures from soft pasta to crunchy veggies. This salad works well as a stand-alone dish or a side at cookouts and casual meals. The fresh dill and mustard in the dressing provide a subtle tang that lifts the overall flavor.
The macaroni is boiled to just al dente, then chilled under cold water to stop cooking and keep the pasta firm and separate. Tossing the salad before serving distributes the dressing evenly. This recipe can be served immediately or refrigerated until ready to eat, making it practical for meal prep.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons dill chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese cubed
- 1/2 red onion peeled and minced
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 cup peas thawed, frozen
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing. Cover and refrigerate while you move on to the next steps.
- Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package directions just until al dente. Pour the macaroni into a colander to drain and immediately rinse with cold water to cool down the macaroni and prevent it from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked macaroni, cubed cheddar cheese, minced red onion, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, and the thawed peas.
- Whisk the dressing well, then pour it over the macaroni salad; toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or keep chilled until serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 264 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 264kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 426mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 169mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 607IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 150mg | 15% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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