Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Summertime Macaroni Salad is a classic, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender pasta, it delivers a refreshing and satisfying bite that complements grilled meats and summer favorites beautifully.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
elbow macaroni
mayonnaise
sour cream
apple cider vinegar
Dijon mustard
sugar
salt
black pepper
celery
red bell pepper
red onion
carrots
fresh parsley (optional)
directions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
Fold in the diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and grated carrots.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give it a good stir and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra richness.
Include peas or sweet corn for added texture and sweetness.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze as the dressing may separate.
Stir before serving as the dressing can settle.
FAQs
Can I make this macaroni salad in advance?
Yes, it’s actually better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
Is it okay to use different pasta shapes?
Yes, but choose small shapes like shells or rotini for best results.
How can I prevent the salad from drying out?
Make sure not to overcook the pasta and coat it well in the dressing.
Can I omit the sugar?
Yes, the sugar is optional and can be adjusted to taste.
What can I serve with macaroni salad?
It pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches.
Conclusion
Summertime Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy dish that brings a burst of flavor to any warm-weather gathering. Easy to prepare and customize, it’s a go-to side that never fails to please. Make it ahead, chill, and serve for an instant hit at your next cookout or family picnic.
Print
Summertime Macaroni Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chill)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Chilling
- Cuisine: American, Summer BBQ
Description
A refreshing and creamy macaroni salad loaded with crisp summer veggies, dressed in a tangy mayo-based sauce—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or backyard barbecues.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain again and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or sugar), dried dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, thawed peas, shredded carrot, and chopped parsley to the macaroni.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if desired.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (preferably 2–3 hours) to let flavors meld.
- Before serving, give it a gentle stir and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra dill.
Notes
- Make it ahead of time: prepare a day in advance for maximum flavor; stir before serving.
- Customize: add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, chopped red grapes, or crumbled bacon for extra texture.
- To lighten it up, use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt/sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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