Get ready for a taste of pure comfort and a staple of summer gatherings with this incredible Rich and Creamy Macaroni Salad! This classic side dish features tender elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a luscious, tangy dressing that’s bursting with savory flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or simply as a refreshing addition to any meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Rich and Creamy Macaroni Salad is a consistent hit in my kitchen, especially as the weather warms up. What I love most is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The tender, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni provides the ideal base, but it’s the dressing that truly makes it shine: a creamy blend of mayonnaise and sour cream for richness, brightened by Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar for that essential tangy kick. The crisp bite of diced celery and red bell pepper, along with the subtle oniony flavor of green onions, adds delightful contrast. It’s a make-ahead dream, incredibly refreshing, and always a huge crowd-pleaser, tasting even better after the flavors have melded in the fridge!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Rich and Creamy Macaroni Salad:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Elbow Macaroni: Classic for macaroni salad, but any small pasta shape like ditalini, small shells, or rotini can also be used. Cook al dente according to package instructions.
- Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of full-fat mayonnaise for the best richness and creaminess. Light mayo can be substituted, but the texture might be slightly different.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess. Full-fat sour cream is recommended. Plain Greek yogurt (full-fat) can be a healthier alternative for a similar tang.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor. Yellow mustard can be used for a more classic picnic salad flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Crucial for the tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the dressing. White vinegar can be substituted.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These fine powders blend seamlessly into the dressing for a savory background.
- Vegetables: Celery and red bell pepper add essential crunch and color. Finely diced white onion (about 1/4 cup) can be added for more onion flavor, or substituted for some green onion.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential. Adjust to taste. A pinch of sugar can be added if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
Directions
Let’s get this delicious Rich and Creamy Macaroni Salad mixed and chilled!
- Cook and Cool Macaroni: Cook the 2 cups elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, then immediately rinse under cold water to cool the pasta completely and prevent it from sticking together. Set aside in a colander to drain any excess water.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl (the one you’ll use for the whole salad), combine the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything well until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Add Macaroni and Vegetables: Add the cooled, drained macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Along with the macaroni, add the 1 cup diced celery, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1/2 cup sliced green onions.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the ingredients together with a large spoon or rubber spatula until everything is well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the macaroni.
- Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time is essential to allow the flavors to meld and deepen, and for the salad to chill thoroughly, making it most refreshing.
- Serve: Give the salad another gentle stir before serving. Enjoy cold!
Tips for Success
- Cool Pasta Completely: This is the most crucial step! Warm pasta will absorb too much dressing, making the salad dry and potentially soggy. Rinsing with cold water immediately after draining helps this.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the macaroni just until al dente. It will continue to soften slightly as it absorbs the dressing during chilling.
- Drain Vegetables (if pre-chopped/canned): If using any canned vegetables, ensure they are very well drained.
- Adjust Dressing Consistency: If the dressing seems too thick, you can add a tiny splash more milk (1 teaspoon at a time) or a bit more mayonnaise to reach your desired creaminess.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the salad after mixing and before chilling. The flavors will meld as it chills, but ensure the initial seasoning is to your liking. You might want to add a pinch of sugar for extra balance if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
- Make Ahead: Macaroni salad tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent dish to prepare in advance for parties or gatherings.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Rich and Creamy Macaroni Salad is a fantastic side dish for virtually any casual meal, especially those enjoyed outdoors:
- BBQ & Grilling: It’s a natural companion to grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or ribs.
- Picnics & Potlucks: Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Sandwich Companion: A delightful side for any sandwich, wrap, or sub.
- Fried Chicken: A classic comfort food pairing.
- Fish Fry: A refreshing contrast to crispy fried fish.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing options, consider our This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers or our This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way To Feed A Crowd.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This macaroni salad stores well, and its flavors often deepen overnight.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more dressing as it sits, so you may need to add a splash more mayonnaise or milk to freshen it up before serving leftovers.
- Freezing: Macaroni salad with a mayonnaise/sour cream base is not suitable for freezing, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables will become mushy, and the dressing will separate upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the creamy, comforting, and easy nature of this macaroni salad, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that are perfect for gatherings or quick meals:
- For a fresh, light take on a classic salad, you’ll love A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo In Sight).
- If you’re a fan of simple, crowd-pleasing sheet pan meals, our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way To Feed A Crowd Fast are a winner.
- And for an elegant yet effortless appetizer that’s always a hit, our This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way To Impress Guests is perfect.
Final Thoughts
This Rich and Creamy Macaroni Salad recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying side dish to your table with ease. It’s perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or simply a delicious addition to your everyday lunch.
Give this recipe a try and let this delightful macaroni salad become a new warm-weather favorite! What’s your go-to salad for a potluck or barbecue? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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