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Delicious creamy macaroni salad served in a bowl with veggies
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Creamy Macaroni Salad

A deliciously smooth, tangy macaroni salad bursting with flavor and colorful veggies, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 250kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 3 cups elbow macaroni

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Dressing

  • 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1 can (5 ounce) evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots

Instructions

  • Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool.
  • Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, combine the salt, dry mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, ground white pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  • Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, evaporated milk, and sour cream until smooth. Add in the spice mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
  • Step 4: Stir in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, celery, and carrots. Mix well to distribute the veggies evenly throughout the dressing.
  • Step 5: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and gently fold everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing.
  • Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Just before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Stir before serving and add a spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 400mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg