Jan's Macaroni Salad

Creamy, tangy, and loaded with fresh veggies, *Jan's Macaroni Salad* is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. This classic pasta salad features tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of Dijon mustard for a zesty kick. Crunchy bites of celery, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and red onion add vibrant color and texture, while chopped hard-boiled eggs provide a satisfying heft. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of brightness, this chilled macaroni salad is easy to prepare and even easier to love. Make it ahead for the best flavor—perfect for summer gatherings or any time you need a refreshing, savory side dish. Keywords: macaroni salad, picnic recipes, classic pasta salad, creamy dressing, crowd-pleaser recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 pieces celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool completely.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3

Add the diced celery, red bell pepper, chopped red onion, shredded carrots, and fresh parsley to the bowl. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Season the mixture with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5

Fold the cooled macaroni into the dressing and vegetable mix, ensuring all the pasta is well-coated.

Step 6

Gently fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, taking care not to break them up too much.

Step 7

Cover the macaroni salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Step 9

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1132.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3150.0

Total Fat 219.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 850.8mg	0%
Sodium 3663.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 242.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.7g	0%
Total Sugars 36.8g
Protein 55.2g	0%

Vitamin D 132IU	0%
Calcium 343.0mg	0%
Iron 10.8mg	0%
Potassium 1199.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.3%

Protein: 7.0%

Carbs: 30.7%