Description

This Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Combined with crunchy celery, bell peppers, red onion, fresh parsley, and chopped hard-boiled eggs, it offers a perfect balance of creaminess and crisp textures. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a chilled accompaniment to your favorite meals.

Ingredients

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Macaroni Salad

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until tender. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely. Set aside.
Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Combine macaroni and dressing: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy mixture.
Add vegetables and eggs: Fold in the diced celery, red onion, bell pepper, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Mix carefully to combine without mashing the ingredients.
Season to taste: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning by adding extra salt or black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
Chill: Cover the macaroni salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Serve: Serve the macaroni salad cold, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired, making it a perfect side dish for warm weather or gatherings.

Notes

For extra crunch, consider adding chopped pickles or radishes.
Make sure the macaroni is fully cooled before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming runny.
This salad can be made a day ahead to deepen the flavors.
Adjust the sweetness by modifying the sugar amount according to your preference.
Use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream for a lighter version.