Creamy Tangy Crunchy Macaroni Salad
This macaroni salad is rich, tangy, and loaded with crisp vegetables, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or meal prep. The creamy dressing gets a bright kick from vinegar and mustard, while fresh veggies add texture and flavor.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30–60 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes + chilling
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
For the salad:
3 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup celery, finely chopped
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
½ cup cucumber or pickles, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup shredded carrots
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
For the dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
1 tsp sugar or honey
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook pasta:
Boil macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool completely.
Prepare vegetables:
Chop celery, bell pepper, cucumber/pickles, onion, and carrots.
Make dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine salad:
Add cooled macaroni, vegetables, and chopped eggs (if using) into the dressing.
Toss gently until everything is well coated.
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes to let flavors develop.
Serve:
Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes & Tips
Extra crunch: Add diced apples, radishes, or sunflower seeds.
Tang level: Adjust vinegar and mustard to your taste preference.
Creamier texture: Add a splash of milk if the salad thickens too much after chilling.
Make it lighter: Use more Greek yogurt and less mayo.
Flavor boost: Add a pinch of paprika or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make it without eggs?
A: Absolutely—just omit them or replace with extra veggies.
Q: Why rinse the pasta?
A: Rinsing cools the pasta quickly and prevents it from sticking together.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320–360 kcal
Protein: 8–10 g
Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
Fiber: 3–4 g
Fat: 16–20 g
Sugar: 4–6 g
Sodium: 400–500 mg