Creamy Summer Macaroni Salad Delight
This Creamy Summer Macaroni Salad Delight is a quick and easy dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings. Packed with vibrant vegetables and a rich, creamy dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also colorful and appealing. The combination of crunchy red pepper, carrots, and fresh vine-ripened tomatoes adds a delightful texture and taste to the creamy base. Chill for a few hours to enhance the flavors, making it the ideal for serving as a side or a light lunch on warm days. Your friends and family will love this refreshing twist on a classic!
6
Servings
183
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry elbow macaroni
2 cups (cooked, rinsed, and drained)
diced red pepper
1/3 cup (fresh)
shredded carrot
1/4 cup (fresh)
minced red onion
1/4 cup (soaked in water for 5 minutes and drained)
minced flat leaf parsley
1 tablespoon (fresh)
diced vine-ripened tomatoes
1/2 cup (fresh)
prepared mayonnaise
1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
mustard
3/4 teaspoon (yellow or Dijon)
sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (granulated)
cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (apple cider variety)
sour cream
4 tablespoons (full-fat or light)
salt
to taste (freshly ground)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
9.2g
Fat
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Summer Macaroni Salad Delight?
It is a quick and easy pasta salad featuring vibrant vegetables and a rich, creamy dressing, perfect for potlucks and picnics.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The recipe is categorized as taking less than 30 minutes to prepare.
What type of pasta is used in this macaroni salad?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of dry elbow macaroni.
How should the macaroni be prepared?
The macaroni should be cooked, rinsed, and drained before assembly.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes diced red pepper, shredded carrot, minced red onion, and diced vine-ripened tomatoes.
How much mayonnaise is required for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of prepared mayonnaise, which can be store-bought or homemade.
Can I use light sour cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can use either full-fat or light sour cream for the 4 tablespoons required.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 183 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving has 9.2g of fat.
What type of mustard is recommended?
You can use either yellow or Dijon mustard depending on your preference.
Is there any special preparation for the red onion?
Yes, the minced red onion should be soaked in water for 5 minutes and then drained before adding to the salad.
What kind of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it includes 1 1/2 teaspoons of granulated sugar to balance the dressing.
What fresh herb is used in this recipe?
One tablespoon of fresh minced flat leaf parsley is added for flavor.
How much red pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of fresh diced red pepper.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 4g of protein.
How much shredded carrot is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of fresh shredded carrot.
What type of tomatoes are best for this salad?
Vine-ripened tomatoes are recommended for their fresh flavor.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total for this macaroni salad.
Should the salad be chilled before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to chill the salad for a few hours to enhance the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for warm weather?
Yes, it is described as an ideal side or light lunch for warm days.
How much cider vinegar is used?
The recipe uses exactly 1 1/2 tablespoons of cider vinegar.
What seasoning is used for the salad?
Freshly ground salt and black pepper are added to taste.
What is the texture of the salad?
It features a creamy base with crunchy textures from the fresh peppers and carrots.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
While the recipe instructions are simple, the dressing components like mayo, mustard, and vinegar can be mixed together in advance.
What are common tags for this dish?
Common tags include macaroni salad, potluck, summer salad, and cold pasta dish.
Is this a good dish for family gatherings?
Yes, it is explicitly noted as being perfect for family gatherings and picnics.
How much mustard is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 teaspoon of mustard.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as a quick and easy recipe suitable for anyone to follow.