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Classic Macaroni Salad

Classic Macaroni Salad

Classic Macaroni Salad is a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy to any gathering. With its creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and tender pasta, this salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family meals. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, taking under an hour, but it can also be customized to suit your taste preferences. This crowd-pleaser pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a refreshing side. Plus, it’s ideal for meal prep—make it in advance and let the flavors meld for an even tastier experience.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces dried macaroni pasta
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced small
  • 2 stalks celery, diced small
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 5 sweet gherkins, finely diced
  • 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed small
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and finely diced
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with red bell pepper, celery, red onion, gherkins, cheddar cheese, and hard-boiled eggs.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well combined.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavors.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Use al dente pasta to maintain texture. Feel free to customize with add-ins like peas or different cheeses for variety. For extra flavor depth, allow the salad to chill longer before serving.