Description
A creamy, tangy, and crunchy macaroni salad that is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and BBQs. This make-ahead friendly recipe balances sweet and savory flavors with a rich dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt (for dressing)
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup bacon bits, crumbled (optional)
- 2–3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to cool completely.
- While pasta cooks, finely dice the celery, red onion, and grate the carrot. If using bacon, cook it, let it cool, and crumble it.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced vegetables, bacon bits, and shredded cheese (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to soften in the dressing. Rinsing the pasta under cold water is crucial to prevent the mayo from melting. The salad tastes best after chilling for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze as the texture will suffer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: macaroni salad, holiday side dish, potluck recipe, creamy pasta salad, Thanksgiving side, make-ahead salad, classic macaroni salad