Magnificent Macaroni Salad – The Ultimate Creamy, Colorful
Magnificent Macaroni Salad is a creamy and colorful pasta salad.It combines tender macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a rich dressing.Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings.Easy to prepare ahead of time for convenience.Pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and sandwiches.A classic side dish loved by all ages.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup celery, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Cook macaroni according to package directions until tender.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.Allow to cool completely.
- Dice the celery, bell pepper, cucumber, and onion.Chop the hard-boiled eggs and parsley.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooled macaroni to the dressing.Fold in vegetables, eggs, and parsley
- Stir until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Stir before serving.
Notes
- Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking.
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture.
- Chilling enhances the flavor.
- Fresh vegetables add crunch and color.
- Hard-boiled eggs add richness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- Store refrigerated at all times.
- Best enjoyed within 3 days.