Fresh N Tasty Macaroni Salad

Brighten up your next gathering with this Fresh N Tasty Macaroni Salad, a classic side dish elevated with a tangy twist! Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, this recipe combines vibrant flavors with a satisfying crunch from fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and red bell peppers. A hint of sweetness from granulated sugar balances the tang, while fresh parsley adds a burst of herbaceous freshness. Perfectly chilled for a refreshing bite, this quick and easy macaroni salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or even weeknight dinners. Ready in just 30 minutes (plus chilling time), it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. Great taste, simple preparation, and colorful ingredients make this macaroni salad not just a side but a showstopper!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 300 grams elbow macaroni
• 200 grams mayonnaise
• 100 grams sour cream
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, shredded or finely diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to cool it completely. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 3

Add the cooled macaroni to the mixing bowl with the dressing, and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 4

Carefully fold in the chopped celery, shredded carrot, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 5

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

Step 6

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1033.8 grams (1033.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2978

Total Fat 172.90g	222%
Saturated Fat 26.60g	133%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 246mg	82%
Sodium 3468mg	151%
Total Carbohydrate 304.50g	111%
Dietary Fiber 18.50g	66%
Total Sugars 34.60g
Protein 49.70g	99%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 287mg	22%
Iron 13mg	69%
Potassium 1048mg	22%

*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: 52.3%

Protein: 6.7%

Carbs: 41.0%