Cheesy Macaroni Salad
Creamy, tangy, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Cheesy Macaroni Salad is the ultimate side dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or weeknight dinners. Featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed in a rich dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and a hint of mustard, this salad delivers the perfect balance of creaminess and zest. Cubes of sharp cheddar cheese, crisp celery, sweet red bell pepper, and thawed peas add irresistible texture and pops of color, while a touch of apple cider vinegar and sugar ties it all together with a delightful tangy-sweet finish. Quick and easy to prepare, this chilled pasta salad is perfect for feeding a crowd and can be made ahead for maximum convenience. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, herby touch, and watch this crowd-pleaser disappear! Keywords: cheesy macaroni salad recipe, summer pasta salad, creamy macaroni salad, easy side dish, tangy cheddar salad.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, cubed
- 3 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Prepared yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Celery, chopped
- 0.5 cup Red bell pepper, diced
- 0.25 cup Red onion, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Frozen peas, thawed
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Step 3
Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the dressing, gently tossing to coat.
Step 4
Fold in the cheddar cheese cubes, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and thawed peas until evenly distributed.
Step 5
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7
Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving, if desired. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (954.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2283.5 |
| Total Fat 119.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 57.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 313.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3065.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 206.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 28.3g | |
| Protein 97.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 51.3IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1874.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 10.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1290.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories