Things I Can't Say

Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom

Just Creamy Enough Macaroni Salad

 

Since we’re entering summer and picnic season, I’m resharing my favorite macaroni salad recipe. 

Summer means that when it comes meals, something nice and cool sounds much better than something steaming hot. I don’t want to have to turn on the oven if I can help it. Our grill gets a lot of use, too.

One of my favorite things to eat in summer is macaroni salad. It’s great as a lunch on its own or as a side for when we grill out. I can make it ahead of time and we can pick off of it all week.

While I like a creamy macaroni salad, it grosses me out if it’s too creamy, if the pasta is so coated in mayo that it feels slimy. But this recipe I’m sharing with you today is the perfect amount of creamy: yummy, but not overwhelming. You can also change the veggies/cheeses to whatever suits you.

20140618-234814-85694458.jpg

Just Creamy Enough Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

  • 16oz  macaroni
  • 1 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
  • 3 carrots (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup dill pickles (chopped or relish, optional)
  • 1 cup of cheddar cheese (cubed)
  • Can include chopped hard boiled eggs, diced peppers, diced celery, cucumber, etc. to customize to your family’s taste

Directions

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Allow to fully drain and cool.
  • Toss macaroni with peas, carrots, pickles, cheese, and whatever other veggies/meats you’d like to add in a large bowl.
  • Mix mayo, sour cream, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl.
  • Pour dressing over pasta mixture and stir to coat.
  • Cover with plastic wrap or lid and allow to sit in the fridge overnight(or at least for a few hours).

What is your go-to summer side dish?

Follow me on Pinterest for more recipes and don’t forget to use the button below to pin this macaroni salad!

Save Print
Just Creamy Enough Macaroni Salad
Author: 
Recipe type: side dish
Cuisine: American
 
Ingredients
  • 16oz macaroni
  • 1½ cup mayo
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
  • 3 carrots (shredded)
  • ¼ cup dill pickles (chopped or relish, optional)
  • 1 cup of cheddar cheese (cubed)
  • Can include chopped hard boiled eggs, diced peppers, diced celery, cucumber, etc. to customize to your family’s taste
Instructions
  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Allow to fully drain and cool.
  2. Toss macaroni with peas, carrots, pickles, cheese, and whatever other veggies/meats you'd like to add in a large bowl.
  3. Mix mayo, sour cream, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl.
  4. Pour dressing over pasta mixture and stir to coat.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap or lid and allow to sit in the fridge overnight(or at least for a few hours)

 

Comments

  1. Mmmm! This looks good. And with Katarina having most of her teeth pulled this summer, I’m on the lookout for every new recipe containing easy to chew food I can find! Thanks for sharing. 

  3. Yum! That sounds delicious. My go-to summer side dish is Broccoli Salad; I think I’ll make it this weekend for whatever we throw on the grill to celebrate the First (official) Day of Summer!

  7. YUM! I love a good macaroni salad. Would love to have you come link your recipe on our link party – The Yuck Stops Here —> http://yumeating.com/yuck-stops-12-stoptheyuck/

  8. This brings back so many wonderful memories.  My mom used to make the best macaroni salad.  I’ll have to give this one a try too.

  12. OH this sounds really good, it was more things in it than my macaroni salad has. I will give it a try! Appreciate the share, always up for new Summer salad style recipes!

  13. I love pasta salad for a quick summer dish. It’s my go to party food, but it’s also good enough to stand alone as a meal (in my opinion at least!)

  14. I love macaroni salad–though I go with a Italian dressing rather then a mayo. In summer, with fresh basil, I often make a pesto that I stir in with the mac salad along with the Italian dressing. That just heightens the flavor exponentially!

  17. I love macaroni salad, but I have never made it myself. This recipe sounds great. Perfect to take to our annual 4th of July party at the in-laws this year!

  18. My whole family LOVES macaroni salad, it’s at every picnic, BBQ, or family dinner night we have through the summer. This recipe looks absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it!

  36. Your macaroni salad sounds good. It’s interesting that it has sour cream. I will have to try it your way. 🙂

  37. Totally agree, if the salad is too slimey you just feel like you’ve got a mouthful of mayo in your mouth. Blech!

    • Try it! Overly-creamy grosses me out. And it’s even less creamy than what it first appears b/c you do need to let it sit overnight(or at least for a few hours).