A Different Macaroni Salad

Elevate your next cookout or family gathering with "A Different Macaroni Salad," a vibrant twist on the classic dish that’s both creamy and refreshing. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a colorful medley of red bell pepper, crisp cucumber, grated carrot, and zesty red onion, all tied together with a bright dressing made from tangy Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and a touch of apple cider vinegar and honey for balance. Fresh parsley adds a pop of flavor, while a hint of Dijon mustard brings subtle sophistication. Perfectly chilled and bursting with texture and taste, this macaroni salad is a deliciously unique side dish that pairs well with grilled favorites, picnics, or potlucks. Ready in just 23 minutes and serving six, it’s a quick and satisfying addition to your recipe repertoire!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:8 mins

Total Time:23 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1 medium carrot
• 0.5 medium red onion
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2

Prepare the vegetables: Dice the red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion into small, even pieces. Grate the carrot using a box grater. Finely chop the fresh parsley.

Step 3

Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 4

Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced vegetables, grated carrot, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5

Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Serve and enjoy: Give the macaroni salad a gentle stir before serving. Taste and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve chilled as a side dish or light meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	892 grams (892.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1888

Total Fat 92.00g	118%
Saturated Fat 8.20g	41%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 120mg	40%
Sodium 1643mg	71%
Total Carbohydrate 223.30g	81%
Dietary Fiber 13.90g	50%
Total Sugars 38.60g
Protein 36.70g	73%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 133mg	10%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 947mg	20%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.3%

Protein: 7.9%

Carbs: 47.8%