Description
This Classic Creamy Italian Macaroni Salad is a delightful blend of tender pasta enveloped in a rich, tangy dressing. Each bite bursts with the freshness of herbs and the crunch of crisp vegetables, creating a satisfying texture that dances on the palate.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta: 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 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 the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cucumber.
- 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 the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
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 half of the mayonnaise.
- 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: 500 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