Creamy Vegetable Macaroni Salad Recipe
This Creamy Vegetable Macaroni Salad is a refreshing and colorful side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light meals. It combines tender elbow macaroni with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sweet red and yellow peppers, crunchy carrots, and tangy red onions, all coated in a smooth, creamy mayonnaise dressing. Chilled for hours to enhance the flavors, this salad is easy to prepare ahead of time and serves as a crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Vegetables
- 1 cucumber, sliced in rounds
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 yellow pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup matchstick carrots
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
Dressing
- 1 1/2 cups real mayonnaise
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Cool the pasta: Rinse the cooked macaroni under cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool it down; drain well to remove excess moisture. The macaroni can also be cooked a day ahead and rinsed before assembling.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, chopped yellow and red peppers, diced red onion, and matchstick carrots.
- Mix vegetables: Stir all the vegetables together to distribute them evenly.
- Add mayonnaise: Pour in the mayonnaise and mix well to coat the vegetables thoroughly.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Combine pasta and dressing: Gently fold in the cooled macaroni, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Stir the salad well before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.
Notes
- For best results, prepare the macaroni a day ahead to allow it to cool and firm up, which helps it absorb the dressing better.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or green onions for extra crunch and flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter option, substitute regular mayonnaise with a low-fat or Greek yogurt alternative.
- This macaroni salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the seasoning just before serving as chilling may mute flavors.
Find it online: https://bitezly.com/creamy-vegetable-macaroni-salad-recipe/
