Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe with Cheese
This cheesy macaroni salad gets its rich, creamy texture from both mayonnaise and sour cream instead of just one or the other, plus a mix of sugar and apple cider vinegar for a slight sweet-and-tangy edge. Sharp cheddar cheese, red onion, and celery round it out. It's ready in about 20 minutes and only gets better as it chills, making it an easy make-ahead side for potlucks and cookouts.
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 2 ¼ cups mayonnaise
- 1 ¾ cups sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the salad:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 red onion (diced)
- 1 celery rib (diced)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded)
Instructions
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, sugar, vinegar and salt. Set aside.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, it should have a bite to it. Drain and place in a large bowl.
- Add onion, celery, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne to the hot pasta, stir to combine. Let it sit for about 2 minutes.
- Add ½ of the mayonnaise mixture to the warm pasta and stir to combine. Stir in cheese and season with salt and pepper if needed. Chill. Before serving add the remaining dressing.
Barbara's Notes + Tips
- You may not need all of the dressing depending on how long the pasta has been refrigerated. Use what you need and save the rest for leftovers.
- Don't overcook the pasta – it should be cooked al dente to hold up to the dressing without getting mushy and falling apart.
- Use salt to season the pasta water.
- Even if you’re in a hurry, allowing the salad to sit for 15 or 20 minutes before serving it will really enhance the flavors.
- Use a good-quality sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor profile.
- Taste as you go and adjust seasonings according to your preferences.
- Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Since this salad has mayonnaise in it, keep it cold once it's out at a cookout. Nestle your serving bowl into a larger bowl or container filled with ice, and add more ice as needed to keep it chilled while serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 732kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 734mg | Potassium: 217mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 528IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 223mg | Iron: 1mg
