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Easy Macaroni Salad

Easy Macaroni Salad

Easy Macaroni Salad is a delightful, creamy side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, and parties. This crowd-pleaser features tender elbow macaroni mixed with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, cubed cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and dill. With its satisfying texture and vibrant flavors, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or proteins to suit any taste. Whether served alongside grilled meats at a BBQ or enjoyed as a refreshing lunch option, this Easy Macaroni Salad is sure to impress everyone around the table.

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 6 oz cheddar cheese (cubed)
  • 1/2 red onion (minced)
  • 4 celery stalks (diced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with cubed cheddar cheese, minced red onion, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, and frozen peas.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, apple cider vinegar, fresh dill, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture; toss gently until fully coated.
  5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe (approximately 150g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 430mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider incorporating diced carrots or cucumbers. Feel free to substitute Greek yogurt for mayo for a lighter version. Allowing the salad to sit overnight enhances the flavor even more.