Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad Delight
This Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad Delight is a crowd-pleaser, combining tender elbow macaroni with vibrant vegetables and a rich, tangy dressing. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, and outdoor picnics, this salad is loaded with flavor from sharp cheddar cheese and the crunch of dill pickles. Each bite is creamy and satisfying, making it a go-to side dish for any occasion. Enjoy the easy preparation and the delightful mix of textures that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
8-10
Servings
240
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
8 ounces (cooked according to package directions and drained)
dill pickles
3 (finely chopped)
hard-boiled eggs
3 (finely chopped)
frozen peas
2 cups (thawed)
celery ribs
3 (sliced thinly)
medium onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces (diced into 1/4 inch cubes)
mayonnaise
1 cup (can use low-fat Hellmann's or Kraft)
milk
1/2 cup
sugar or Splenda sugar substitute
1/4 cup
cider vinegar
1/4 cup
salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked elbow macaroni, finely chopped dill pickles, hard-boiled eggs, thawed peas, thinly sliced celery, finely chopped onion, and diced cheddar cheese.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and milk until smooth.
3
Gradually mix in the sugar (or Splenda) and cider vinegar until well-blended.
4
Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mix and toss gently until all ingredients are well-coated.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours; for best results, let it chill overnight to enhance the flavors before serving.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
24g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad Delight?
It is a crowd-pleasing side dish featuring elbow macaroni, vibrant vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich, tangy dressing.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions and drained.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes between 8 to 10 servings.
Can I use a sugar substitute in the dressing?
Yes, you can use either 1/4 cup of sugar or an equivalent amount of Splenda sugar substitute.
How long should the pasta salad be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, though letting it chill overnight provides the best results for flavor enhancement.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
What kind of mayonnaise is recommended?
You can use regular mayonnaise or low-fat options like Hellmann's or Kraft.
What type of cheese works best for this salad?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, diced into 1/4 inch cubes.
Do the frozen peas need to be cooked?
No, the frozen peas only need to be thawed before being added to the salad.
How should I prepare the celery?
You should use 3 celery ribs and slice them thinly.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of cider vinegar for a tangy flavor profile.
How much protein is in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 8g of protein.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, making it the day before is actually recommended to allow the flavors to meld together.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 240 calories per serving.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes dill pickles, frozen peas, celery ribs, and a medium onion.
How should the hard-boiled eggs be prepared?
The recipe requires 3 hard-boiled eggs that have been finely chopped.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 12g of fat.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is to gently combine the cooked macaroni, pickles, eggs, peas, celery, onion, and cheese in a large mixing bowl.
How is the dressing prepared?
Whisk mayonnaise and milk until smooth, then gradually mix in the sugar and cider vinegar.
How do I season the dressing?
You should season the dressing with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
What occasions is this salad best for?
It is perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, and outdoor picnics.
How do I ensure the ingredients are well-coated?
Pour the dressing over the pasta mix and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly covered.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including seasonings.
What kind of pickles should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 finely chopped dill pickles.
Is the onion used whole or chopped?
Use 1/2 of a medium onion, finely chopped.
Can I use different types of milk?
While the recipe specifies 1/2 cup of milk, standard dairy milk is typically used for the best consistency.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad has a creamy and satisfying texture with a crunch from the celery and pickles.
Should the macaroni be hot when mixed?
No, the macaroni should be cooked and drained, and it is best to let it cool slightly before mixing with the other ingredients.
Does this recipe contain fiber information?
The specific fiber content is not provided in the nutritional data for this recipe.