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Macaroni-Salad-Creamy-Make-Ahead-BBQ-Side-Dish-Recipe

Macaroni Salad | Creamy Make-Ahead BBQ Side Dish

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  • Author: Peter
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Mixing, Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Macaroni Salad is a delightful mix of elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for BBQs and easy to prepare ahead of time, it offers a blend of irresistible flavors that will impress guests at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 red bell pepper – finely diced
  • 4 ribs celery – finely diced
  • 1 small red onion – finely diced
  • ½ cup pickle relish
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 4 cloves garlic – minced
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp pickle juice
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tbsp kosher salt
  • ½ tbsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, reducing the cook time by one minute to achieve al dente texture. The pasta should be tender but slightly firm.
  2. Rinse the cooked macaroni immediately under cold water and transfer it to a large bowl.
  3. In the bowl, combine the diced red bell pepper, celery, onion, and pickle relish with the macaroni.
  4. Pour the creamy dressing over the macaroni salad ingredients and mix well to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly.
  5. Refrigerate the salad for one hour before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, let the salad chill longer in the refrigerator before serving.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or add in some protein like chicken or tuna.
Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg