A chilled pasta salad loaded with elbow macaroni, crunchy veggies, and a rich, tangy dressing — simple, satisfying, and loved by all ages.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
Salad Base:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Mix-Ins:
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (soaked in cold water for 5 min to reduce bite)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish or chopped dill pickles
- Optional: ½ cup shredded carrots or frozen peas (thawed)