On a warm summer afternoon, there’s nothing quite like the refreshing crunch of a perfectly chilled macaroni salad. Embracing all the flavors of the season, this Macaroni Salad Pasta recipe will be your new go-to for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. With a delightful mix of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive in and create a delicious bowl of comfort that will become a staple in your recipe collection!
**Macaroni Salad Pasta**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups elbow macaroni
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
– 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
**For the Dressing:**
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, transfer the macaroni to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, sliced black olives, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the pasta.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences, adding more salt, pepper, or honey if desired.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until well combined, ensuring that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
6. Before serving, give the macaroni salad a final stir to make sure the dressing is well distributed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also garnish with additional parsley for a fresh pop of color.
7. Serve the Macaroni Salad Pasta as a side dish alongside grilled meats, as a light lunch option, or pack it for a picnic in the park. Enjoy the creamy texture of the dressing, the crunch of the vegetables, and the satisfying bite of the macaroni in every forkful.
By following this simple recipe, you can create a delightful Macaroni Salad Pasta that will become a favorite among your family and friends. Feel free to customize the ingredients by adding in your favorite veggies or swapping out the dressing components to suit your taste. This versatile dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to bring smiles to those who enjoy it. So, whip up a batch today and savor the joys of homemade comfort food at its finest!
