Meal in One Macaroni Salad

Transform your next meal into a crowd-pleasing sensation with this 'Meal in One Macaroni Salad,' a hearty and flavorful twist on the classic pasta salad. Bursting with tender elbow macaroni, succulent diced chicken, protein-packed chopped hard-boiled eggs, and vibrant vegetables like celery, red bell pepper, and sweet peas, this dish delivers a perfect balance of textures and nutrients. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, sour cream, a hint of mustard, and apple cider vinegar, ties everything together with a tangy-savory finish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for make-ahead meals, potlucks, or picnics, this chilled salad is a complete meal in itself that delights with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 3 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken breast, chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, diced red bell pepper, and thawed peas.

Step 3

In a separate smaller bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.

Step 4

Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 6

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

Step 7

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

Step 8

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and sprinkle with paprika if desired for a pop of color.

Step 9

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1606.4 grams (1606.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3817

Total Fat 229.90g	295%
Saturated Fat 39.70g	199%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 1166mg	389%
Sodium 3684mg	160%
Total Carbohydrate 260.80g	95%
Dietary Fiber 25.70g	92%
Total Sugars 42.50g
Protein 173.10g	346%

Vitamin D 132IU	660%
Calcium 417mg	32%
Iron 17mg	93%
Potassium 2355mg	50%

*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: 54.4%

Protein: 18.2%

Carbs: 27.4%