Description
This Easy Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or family dinners. Packed with tender macaroni, crunchy veggies, cheddar cheese cubes, and a zesty dill dressing, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing pasta salad.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 6 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 red onion, minced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine macaroni, cheddar cheese cubes, red onion, celery, red bell pepper, and peas.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, fresh dill, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in an additional 2–3 tablespoons of mayonnaise before serving.
- This salad can be made a day ahead—just store covered in the fridge.
- Try adding chopped pickles, bacon, or hard-boiled eggs for a fun twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg