Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad combines tender elbow macaroni with crisp celery, sweet red bell pepper, green onions, and grated carrot. The creamy dressing blends mayonnaise, yogurt or sour cream, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings for balanced savory and tangy notes. After tossing the pasta and veggies with the dressing and resting it to meld flavors, the salad is served at room temperature, making it a versatile side dish. Its texture balances soft pasta with crunchy vegetables, suitable for picnics, barbecues, or casual meals.
Ingredients
- 250 g / 1/2 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 tbsp salt (to cook pasta)
- 1 cup celery , finely sliced (1 stalk)
- 3/4 cup red bell pepper finely diced (1 small, or capsicum
- 3/4 cup green onions , finely sliced (1 large stem)
- 1 carrot grated (using standard box grater, medium
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann's, Best Foods, S&W or other whole egg mayonnaise)
- 1/2 cup yoghurt full or low fat, or sour cream
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp sugar
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bring large pot of water to the boil - 4 to 5 litres / quarts. Add salt then add pasta. Cook per packet directions.
- Drain pasta then cool.
- Meanwhile, mix Dressing ingredients in a bowl.
- Place pasta in a bowl. Add remaining Macaroni Salad ingredients. Pour over Dressing.
- Toss. Adjust salt / sugar / sour (vinegar) / mayo to taste.
- Set aside for at least 20 minutes. Then serve at room temperature (not cold). It's great the next day too!
Notes
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to five days, making it good for meal prep.
- Additions like bacon, ham, egg, or cheese can be included for more flavor complexity.
- For those avoiding mayonnaise, a lemon yogurt dressing works as a flavorful substitute.
- Frozen salad should be thawed naturally and stirred before serving to restore texture.
- Season dressing to taste prior to serving to balance salt, sugar, and acidity.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 - 8 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 319
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 77g | |
| Calories | 319cal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 2401mg | 100% |
| Potassium | 274mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 2515IU | 50% |
| Vitamin C | 27.2mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 53mg | 5% |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.