Description

This creamy macaroni salad is a classic, refreshing side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. It combines tender elbow pasta with a colorful mix of shredded carrots, red bell pepper, celery, and red onion, all tossed in a tangy and flavorful dressing made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, relish, and fresh dill. Chilled until served, this salad offers a creamy texture balanced by crisp vegetables and a hint of zest.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

1 lb elbow pasta
1 cup carrots, shredded
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 cup red onion, diced
1/3 cup relish

Dressing

1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons black pepper

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool completely, then set aside.
Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded carrots, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, diced celery, and relish. Toss them together gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
Prepare Dressing: In the same large bowl or a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Stir in the chopped fresh dill thoroughly to infuse the dressing with flavor.
Mix Salad: Fold the cooled pasta into the vegetable mixture, then pour the prepared dressing over it. Gently toss everything until the pasta and vegetables are fully coated with the creamy dressing.
Season and Chill: Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the salad and toss again for even seasoning. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

Notes

Use mayonnaise of your choice — regular or light — depending on desired creaminess and calorie content.
The salad tastes best after chilling for at least one hour; overnight refrigeration improves flavor.
Add chopped hard-boiled eggs or cooked bacon bits for additional protein and flavor.
Adjust the amount of relish or vinegar according to your preferred tanginess.
For a healthier twist, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy salad, pasta salad, picnic side dish, summer salad