Creamy Summer Elbow Macaroni Salad
Delight in this Creamy Summer Elbow Macaroni Salad, a perfect blend of textures and flavors that is sure to be a hit at picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. This easy-to-make dish combines tender elbow macaroni with crisp vegetables and a luscious dressing that can be made in advance for your convenience. With its creamy consistency and the crunch of fresh veggies, it’s a kid-friendly favorite that brings smiles to faces of all ages. The simple ingredients allow for customization, so feel free to add in your family's favorite mix-ins. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love, making it a staple in your summer menu!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
8 ounces (cooked and drained)
light mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
low-fat milk
3 tablespoons (none)
vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
celery
1 cup (sliced thin)
green bell pepper
1 cup (chopped)
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to halt cooking and cool it down.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, low-fat milk, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl along with the sliced celery, chopped green bell pepper (or red if preferred), and chopped onion.
4
Gently toss all the ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
22g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Summer Elbow Macaroni Salad?
It is a side dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a luscious dressing, perfect for picnics and barbecues.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 250 calories.
How much fat is in this macaroni salad?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
One serving provides 22 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this salad offer?
Each serving contains 4 grams of protein.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 11 specific ingredients.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of elbow macaroni.
What kind of mayonnaise is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of light mayonnaise.
How much milk is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 3 tablespoons of low-fat milk.
What type of vinegar is required?
The recipe lists 2 tablespoons of vinegar for the dressing.
Is mustard included in the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of mustard is used to flavor the salad.
How much sugar is added?
One teaspoon of sugar is added to balance the dressing flavors.
What are the salt and pepper measurements?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How should the celery be prepared?
You should use 1 cup of celery sliced thin.
Can I use red bell pepper instead of green?
Yes, red bell pepper can be used if you prefer it over green bell pepper.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
How should the macaroni be prepped?
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water halts the cooking process and cools the pasta down for the salad.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Whisk together the light mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
When do I add the vegetables?
Add the celery, green bell pepper, and onion once the cooled macaroni is added to the dressing bowl.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
What is the texture of this salad?
It features a creamy consistency with the crunch of fresh vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a kid-friendly favorite.
Can I customize this recipe?
Yes, the simple ingredients allow for easy customization with your family's favorite mix-ins.
Is this a good dish for summer events?
Absolutely, it is designed as a staple for summer menus, picnics, and family gatherings.
How should I store the salad while it chills?
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid before placing it in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is an easy-to-make dish with straightforward instructions.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not provided, but it is intended as a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Does the recipe use full-fat dairy?
No, the recipe uses light mayonnaise and low-fat milk.
Can this salad be made in advance?
Yes, it can be made in advance for your convenience, allowing flavors to meld while chilling.