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Creamy Pasta Salad

Featured in Salads You'll Actually Want to Eat.

Enjoy this creamy version of pasta salad, perfect for a picnic or cookout. Elbows of pasta give a hearty base to fresh, crunchy bits of red onion, celery, and bell pepper. The dressing blends mayo, vinegar, and mustard for a bold, tangy taste, with herbs and celery seed giving extra layers of flavor. Chilling it in the fridge makes all the flavors come together perfectly. A flexible side everyone will enjoy.
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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:54:24 GMT
Bowl of creamy pasta with colorful veggie pieces like red and green peppers. Pin it
Bowl of creamy pasta with colorful veggie pieces like red and green peppers. | mecooking.com
Nothing beats this timeless Pasta Salad at family get-togethers. Combining soft noodles, tangy smooth sauce and colorful garden veggies, this dish always takes center stage whenever folks gather for cookouts. Everyone remembers this perfect side and always comes back wanting seconds.

Vibrant Ingredients Lineup

  • Perfectly cooked elbow noodles
  • Crunchy celery for texture
  • Finely diced red onion
  • Colorful carrots and peppers

You'll need these for the smooth sauce:

  • Classic seasonings to top it off
  • Tangy vinegar splash
  • Chunky pickle relish
  • Creamy mayo foundation

Assembling Your Dish

Cool your cooked pasta completely after boiling it to the right softness.
Chop all your veggies into tiny, even chunks while waiting.
Whip your dressing ingredients together until they're completely blended.
Toss everything together carefully so each noodle gets coated nicely.
Pop it in the fridge so all those tastes can mingle properly.

Tricks For Perfect Results

Any small pasta works well in your dish. Cut veggies roughly the same size as your noodles. Don't skimp on dressing since the pasta soaks it up during chilling. Add a dash of paprika and some chopped fresh herbs for an extra special touch.

Custom Variations

Toss in diced eggs or crunchy bacon bits. Add chunks of cheese or zesty pickles for extra flavor. Throw in some bright green peas or crunchy bell peppers. Change up your sauce style completely for something totally different.

Storing And Serving

Fix this dish a day early and let it sit overnight for better flavor. Need to liven it up? Just mix in a splash more dressing. It'll stay good in your fridge when tightly covered, always ready when you want some.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why cool the pasta after cooking?

Cooling it stops it from overcooking, keeps it firm, and helps the salad avoid excess starchiness.

→ How long will it last in the fridge?

It should stay good in the refrigerator for about 4 days if stored properly. The flavors actually improve if left overnight.

→ Can I mix in other veggies?

Totally! Think pickles, peas, olives, or cheese. Just cut them so they’re about the same size as the pasta bites.

→ Why does the dressing need sugar?

It balances out the tang from the vinegar and gives it that signature macaroni salad taste. You can adjust it either way.

→ Can I try different pasta shapes?

Small pastas work best, like ditalini, shells, or wheels. Anything long, like spaghetti, won’t have the right texture.

Pasta Salad

Smooth pasta with crunchy veggies in a tangy-sweet dressing. Great for barbecues and outdoor gatherings.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Mariana

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 cups)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups dry elbow macaroni, about half a pound.
02 A cup of diced celery.
03 Shredded carrots, half a cup.
04 Dice a red bell pepper, about half a cup.
05 1/4 cup chopped red or green onion.
06 Mayonnaise, one cup.
07 Three tbsp of apple cider vinegar.
08 Sweet relish, 2 tablespoons.
09 2 tbsp sugar.
10 Yellow or Dijon mustard, one teaspoon.
11 Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon.
12 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil pasta in salted water. Once cooked, drain and rinse it with cold water.

Step 02

Combine mayo, sugar, and vinegar. Mix in mustard, relish, salt, and pepper.

Step 03

Put the pasta in a big bowl. Toss in the veggies and dressing. Mix until evenly coated. Tweak seasoning if needed.

Step 04

Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. It's even better if made the day before.

Notes

  1. Stays fresh in the fridge for 4 days.
  2. Feel free to swap out veggies as you like.
  3. You can use any small pasta shape here.
  4. Yields around six cups total.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pot for boiling.
  • Bowls for mixing.
  • Strainer or colander.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs (from mayo).
  • Contains wheat (from pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 432
  • Total Fat: 29 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Protein: 6 g