Name: Classic Macaroni Salad with a Twist Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-487716H54M10S
Cuisine: American (Picnic / Potluck Classic)
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni (or small shells), cooked al dente and cooled; 1 cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; 3 tablespoons apple cider or red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons stone-ground or yellow mustard; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus extra to taste); 1 cup chopped celery; ½ cup diced red bell pepper; ½ cup finely diced red onion (soaked briefly in cold water to soften bite); ¼ cup chopped dill pickles or pickle relish; Optional crunchy additions: shredded carrot, radish, or zucchini; Optional mix-ins for extra flair: cubed ham, crispy bacon bits, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or shredded cheese; Optional heat & depth: a dash of hot sauce or splash of pickle juice or sugar-vinegar mixture added to the warm pasta for brightness

Description

This Classic Macaroni Salad with a Twist recipe is a delightful variation on the traditional favorite, featuring a creamy dressing with a hint of tanginess and a medley of crunchy vegetables. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound elbow macaroni (or small shells), cooked al dente and cooled
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
3 tablespoons apple cider or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons stone-ground or yellow mustard
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt (plus extra to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus extra to taste)

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup chopped celery
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup finely diced red onion (soaked briefly in cold water to soften bite)
¼ cup chopped dill pickles or pickle relish
Optional crunchy additions: shredded carrot, radish, or zucchini
Optional mix-ins for extra flair: cubed ham, crispy bacon bits, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or shredded cheese
Optional heat & depth: a dash of hot sauce or splash of pickle juice or sugar-vinegar mixture added to the warm pasta for brightness

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Instructions

Cook and Prepare Pasta: Cook and rinse the pasta under cold water, then drain. Optionally, toss with vinegar while still warm for added tang.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, celery, bell pepper, onion, pickles, and optional ingredients.
Add Dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat thoroughly.
Chill and Serve: Chill the salad for at least an hour, allowing flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Soaking red onion in cold water mellows its sharpness.
Adding vinegar or pickle juice to warm pasta enhances flavor absorption.
Experiment with bacon, kale, roasted red peppers, or hot sauce for unique flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish / Salad
Method: Mixing & Chilling
Cuisine: American (Picnic / Potluck Classic)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 500 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg