Description
Classic Creamy Italian Macaroni Salad is a delightful blend of al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, tangy dressing. Each bite bursts with the freshness of crisp vegetables and the savory notes of Italian herbs, creating a refreshing yet satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta: 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and cooled
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, mixing gently until everything is well coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, stir in the fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance; the flavors improve as it sits.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: boiling and mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 450 milligrams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 15 milligrams
Keywords: Classic Creamy Italian Macaroni Salad, Italian pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, macaroni salad recipe, summer salad, picnic food, side dish, vegetarian pasta salad, easy pasta salad, cold pasta salad, creamy dressing, fresh vegetables, Italian cuisine