Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for your summer cookout. It has such a creamy rich flavor with the right amount of crunch from the fresh veggies. This crowd-pleaser always goes quick.
We have officially entered grilling season around here, bring on the macaroni salad! Summertime cookouts are just about my absolute favorite thing to do! I love my bbq however it’s on its last leg which is actually exciting because I’ve had my eye on a certain grill for years now! This delicious salad is your cookout best friend! It goes so well with just about everything.
This recipe is a summertime/potluck/bbq/cookout staple! Make sure this salad does not sit out in the hot sun, I always recommend never letting it drop below room temp.
What ingredients are needed to make Macaroni Salad
There are a few different ways to make this pasta salad but these are my staples.
- Elbow Macaroni noodles
- mayo, get the good stuff
- sour cream
- agave
- apple cider vinegar
- celery
- red onion
- bell pepper
- carrot
Depending on your taste you can omit or add veggies as you like. I don’t suggest changing the dressing as it is just amazing as is! Some people like to add paprika or cayenne for a little kick. Other great add-ins include bacon, cheese, green peas, pickles, ham, and chicken.
Best way to store this salad
This pasta salad will keep in the fridge for 5 days, this is a great make-ahead dish and excellent leftovers. This salad is best served cold.
Some of my favorite things to eat with this amazing macaroni salad are:
- Shredded BBQ Chicken & Coleslaw + Quick Pickles Cucumbers
- Gas Grilled Pork Ribs + Paleo Rub
- Easy Grilled Chicken Teriyaki
- Easy Hawaiian Chicken
- Perfectly Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Amazing Marinade!
- The Best Steak Marinade { Easy & Delicious}
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for your summer cookout. It has such a creamy rich flavor with the right amount of crunch from the fresh veggies. This crowd-pleaser always goes quick.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound elbow noodles, or short pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 celery rib, finely diced
- 1 small carrot, shreddedÂ
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tbsp agave
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in macaroni noodles, and cook till al dente, according to package directions. Rinse noodles under cold water.
- Place noodles in the fridge to cool completely before mixing the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl toss together cooled noodles, bell pepper, onion, celery, carrot, mayo, sour cream, agave, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix till everything is well combined.
- Cover the macaroni salad with plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour before serving, enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 193Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 136mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g
