Creamy Cold Macaroni Salad

As the warm weather approaches, so do the countless opportunities for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. One dish that consistently makes an appearance at these events is macaroni salad. However, not all macaroni salads are created equal. Enter the Chill & Thrill Creamy Macaroni Salad, a delightful dish that elevates the classic recipe with a refreshing twist. This creamy salad is not only easy to whip up but also packed with vibrant vegetables and zesty flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

Elevate your summer gatherings with the Chill & Thrill Creamy Macaroni Salad, a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. This easy-to-make dish is packed with colorful vegetables and bursting with zesty flavors, making it the perfect side for BBQs or a light, standalone meal. With key ingredients like elbow macaroni, creamy dressing, and fresh dill, this macaroni salad is sure to impress. Learn how to prepare it, explore its nutritional benefits, and get tips for customization and serving. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more!

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Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 cup diced celery

1 cup diced bell pepper (any color)

1/2 cup diced red onion

1 cup frozen peas (thawed)

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)

Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, cherry tomatoes

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta is cooking, dice the celery, bell pepper, and red onion. Thaw the frozen peas if they're not already thawed.

Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh dill. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Mix Everything Together: Add the cooled macaroni, diced celery, bell pepper, red onion, and peas to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the ingredients together until well coated with the dressing.

Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to a sealed container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to let the flavors meld.

Serve: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions or halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 1 hr 20 min | 6 servings