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Creamy Macaroni Salad – The Perfect Summer Side

A classic creamy macaroni salad with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy-sweet dressing. The ultimate easy summer side dish for picnics and barbecues.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
Dressing
  • 0.75 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp sweet relish
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp paprika
Vegetables
  • 0.5 cup celery finely diced
  • 0.5 cup red bell pepper finely diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely diced

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente.
  2. Drain and cool pasta completely.
  3. Whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth.
  4. Combine pasta with dressing and vegetables.
  5. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Stir in a tablespoon of mayo before serving if salad thickens after chilling.