Easy Elbow Macaroni Salad

Creamy, tangy, and delightfully simple, this Easy Elbow Macaroni Salad is a must-have for picnics, potlucks, or any casual gathering. Featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed in a rich blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, and yellow mustard, this classic dish gets a refreshing crunch from celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. Hard-boiled eggs add a hearty touch, while a hint of apple cider vinegar and a dash of sugar balance the flavor perfectly. Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is best served chilled, making it an ideal make-ahead side. Garnished with a sprinkle of paprika for an extra pop of color, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 units celery stalks, chopped
• 1 unit red bell pepper, diced
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 units hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta completely. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 3

Add the chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the dressing. Mix well to combine.

Step 4

Gently fold the cooled macaroni into the dressing mixture, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 5

Season the salad with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 6

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Before serving, sprinkle paprika over the top for a pop of color, if desired.

Step 8

Serve cold and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	957.8 grams (957.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3009

Total Fat 211.70g	271%
Saturated Fat 34.40g	172%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 665mg	222%
Sodium 2333mg	101%
Total Carbohydrate 233.20g	85%
Dietary Fiber 13.40g	48%
Total Sugars 30.30g
Protein 48.70g	97%

Vitamin D 88IU	440%
Calcium 282mg	22%
Iron 10mg	56%
Potassium 768mg	16%

*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: 62.8%

Protein: 6.4%

Carbs: 30.8%