The Ultimate Creamy Macaroni Salad Your New Favorite Picnic Dish
The Ultimate Creamy Macaroni Salad is a delicious side dish, perfect for summer picnics and family gatherings.
Equipment
- - Large pot
- Medium bowl
- - Large bowl
- Whisk
- - Spoon
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni cook until al dente
- 1 each red bell pepper diced
- 3/4 cup diced sweet pickles
- 4 stalks celery chopped
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt choose Greek yogurt for a lighter twist
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle juice
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley or dried
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill or dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to your liking
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Let cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), sweet pickle juice, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced red bell pepper, diced sweet pickles, chopped celery, grated carrot, and finely diced red onion. Mix gently to combine.
- Pour all the prepared dressing over the salad. Stir gently until everything is well-coated. For best results, chill the salad for at least one hour before serving.
- If making ahead, add HALF the dressing to the salad now and toss until combined. Cover and refrigerate the salad and remaining dressing separately. When ready to serve, mix in the remaining dressing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for an added touch of color.
Notes
Storage: Store macaroni salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Not recommended to freeze macaroni salad as the creamy dressing can separate.