Go Back

Creamy Macaroni Salad

A simple and colorful macaroni salad packed with crunch, perfect for picnics and family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Peas
  • 0.5 pound short pasta (macaroni, elbows, rotini, or other)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
Vegetables
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 carrot (grated)
  • 1 red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 rib celery (thinly sliced)
  • 0.5 cup dill pickles (chopped)
Dressing
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
  • 0.5 cup Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional) they say it cuts the tang!

Method
 

Cooking Pasta and Peas
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ½ pound short pasta and cook according to the package instructions. About halfway through the pasta’s cooking time, toss in 1 cup frozen peas directly into the same pot.
Draining and Cooling
  1. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and immediately rinse it under cold water for about 15 seconds to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta from getting mushy.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon sugar until creamy.
Combining and Serving
  1. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta and peas along with the diced red bell pepper, grated carrot, chopped red onion, sliced celery, and dill pickles. Pour in the creamy dressing and mix well. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge, covered, until ready to enjoy.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for about 3-5 days. For best flavor, make it ahead of time to allow the flavors to mingle.