Name: Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp dry mustard powder; ¾ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp ground white pepper; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; 3 cups elbow macaroni; 1½ cups mayonnaise; ½ cup sour cream; 5 oz evaporated milk; ½ cup onion; 3 tbsp green bell pepper; 3 tbsp red bell pepper; 2 tbsp yellow bell pepper; ½ cup celery; ½ cup carrots

This creamy macaroni salad is a delightful dish perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. The combination of elbow macaroni and a rich, creamy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser. With the added crunch of fresh vegetables, it offers a satisfying bite that's both flavorful and refreshing.

Photos of Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

Some ingredients in this recipe may not be staples in every kitchen. For example, dry mustard powder and evaporated milk might not be commonly found in your pantry. Make sure to pick these up at the supermarket to achieve the best flavor and consistency for your creamy macaroni salad.

Ingredients for Creamy Macaroni Salad

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Dry mustard powder: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the dressing.

Garlic powder: Provides a mild garlic flavor without the intensity of fresh garlic.

Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a touch of color.

Onion powder: Gives a sweet and savory onion flavor.

Ground white pepper: Adds a gentle heat and a slightly different flavor than black pepper.

Ground black pepper: Adds a robust, spicy kick.

Elbow macaroni: The pasta base that holds everything together.

Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy texture of the dressing.

Sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor and creaminess.

Evaporated milk: Provides a rich, creamy consistency without making the dressing too thick.

Onion: Adds crunch and a sharp flavor.

Green bell pepper: Contributes a fresh, slightly bitter taste.

Red bell pepper: Brings a sweet, crisp flavor.

Yellow bell pepper: Adds a mild, fruity flavor.

Celery: Provides crunch and a mild, refreshing taste.

Carrots: Adds a sweet, crunchy element.

One reader, Bayard Cornett says:

This creamy macaroni salad is a hit! The blend of spices and fresh veggies adds a delightful crunch and flavor. The dressing is perfectly smooth and tangy. It's a crowd-pleaser at every gathering.

Bayard Cornett

Techniques Required for Making Creamy Macaroni Salad

How to cook macaroni: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite. Drain and rinse macaroni under cold water until cooled.

How to mix seasonings: Combine salt, dry mustard, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, white pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl.

How to make dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and evaporated milk in a large salad bowl until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Stir in the seasoning mix until well blended.

How to chop vegetables: Finely chop onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, celery, and carrots into small, uniform pieces.

How to combine ingredients: Mix macaroni, chopped vegetables, and dressing until thoroughly coated.

How To Make Creamy Macaroni Salad

You can now make your own classic macaroni salad with this recipe. It has loads of flavor from the spices and has a sauce that is definitely thick & creamy.

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1tspsalt
1tspdry mustard powder
¾tspgarlic powder
½tsppaprika
½tsponion powder
¼tspground white pepper
¼tspground black pepper
3cupselbow macaroni
1½cupsmayonnaise
½cupsour cream
5ozevaporated milk
½cuponion,finely chopped
3tbspgreen bell pepper,finely chopped
3tbspred bell pepper,finely chopped
2tbspyellow bell pepper,finely chopped
½cupcelery,finely chopped
½cupcarrots,finely chopped

Instructions

Mix salt, dry mustard, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, white pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite. Drain and rinse macaroni under cold water until cooled.
Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and evaporated milk in a large salad bowl until dressing is smooth and creamy; stir in seasoning mix until well blended.
Mix macaroni, onion, green, red, and yellow bell pepper, celery, and carrots into the dressing until thoroughly coated.

Nutrition

Calories: 1744.82kcal
Fat: 181.21g
Saturated Fat: 28.31g
Monounsaturated Fat: 45.44g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 107.04g
Carbohydrates: 24.23g
Fiber: 1.83g
Sugar: 3.57g
Protein: 4.97g
Cholesterol: 98.50mg
Sodium: 1359.88mg
Calcium: 56.50mg
Potassium: 209.98mg
Iron: 0.59mg
Vitamin A: 79.27µg
Vitamin C: 29.38mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Creamy Macaroni Salad

To ensure your macaroni salad has the best texture, make sure to rinse the elbow macaroni under cold water after cooking. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing the macaroni from becoming too sticky and clumping together.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Creamy Macaroni Salad

Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onion, bell peppers, celery, and carrots ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-cooked pasta: Buy pre-cooked elbow macaroni to skip the boiling step.

Mix dressing in advance: Prepare the mayonnaise, sour cream, and evaporated milk dressing the night before.

Batch cook: Make a larger batch of the macaroni salad and store it in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.

Use a food processor: Speed up chopping by using a food processor for the vegetables.

Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and flavor but will still season the dish effectively.
dry mustard powder - Substitute with prepared mustard: Use a bit more prepared mustard to achieve the same flavor, but reduce other liquids slightly.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic will give a more robust flavor; use about half a clove per ¾ tsp of garlic powder.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the salad.
onion powder - Substitute with fresh onion: Finely minced fresh onion can provide a stronger flavor; use about 1 tbsp of fresh onion for every ½ tsp of onion powder.
ground white pepper - Substitute with ground black pepper: Black pepper is more pungent, so use slightly less to avoid overpowering the dish.
ground black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Adds a bit of heat; use sparingly to avoid making the dish too spicy.
elbow macaroni - Substitute with rotini pasta: Rotini holds the creamy dressing well and provides a similar texture.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier option that still provides creaminess.
sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
evaporated milk - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half provides a similar creamy consistency.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers add a mild heat and similar crunch.
red bell pepper - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a smoky flavor and soft texture.
yellow bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers have a similar sweetness and crunch.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor and similar crunch.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture but a slightly sweeter flavor.

Presenting Your Creamy Macaroni Salad

Serve in a chilled bowl: Present the creamy macaroni salad in a chilled, elegant white bowl to keep it fresh and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or chives on top to enhance both the flavor and the presentation.
Use a ring mold: Shape the macaroni salad using a ring mold for a refined, professional look. This will give it a neat, cylindrical shape.
Add colorful accents: Place thin slices of red bell pepper and yellow bell pepper around the plate for a burst of color.
Drizzle with a light dressing: Lightly drizzle a bit of extra evaporated milk or a touch of olive oil around the plate for a glossy finish.
Serve with a side of fresh greens: Pair the macaroni salad with a small side of mixed greens to add freshness and balance to the dish.
Use microgreens for texture: Add a few microgreens on top for an extra layer of texture and a touch of sophistication.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish with a couple of edible flowers to elevate the visual appeal and add a delicate, floral note.
Serve with a crisp cracker: Place a crispy cracker or a breadstick alongside the salad for added crunch and a contrasting texture.
Finish with a light dusting of paprika: Lightly dust the top with a bit of paprika to enhance the color and add a subtle smoky flavor.

Essential Tools for Making Creamy Macaroni Salad

Small bowl: for mixing the salt, dry mustard, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, white pepper, and black pepper.
Large pot: to bring water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni.
Colander: to drain and rinse the cooked macaroni under cold water.
Large salad bowl: for whisking the mayonnaise, sour cream, and evaporated milk, and mixing in the seasoning and other ingredients.
Whisk: to blend the mayonnaise, sour cream, and evaporated milk into a smooth and creamy dressing.
Measuring spoons: to measure out the salt, dry mustard, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, white pepper, and black pepper.
Measuring cups: to measure the mayonnaise, sour cream, evaporated milk, and vegetables.
Cutting board: to chop the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, celery, and carrots.
Chef's knife: for chopping the vegetables.
Mixing spoon: to thoroughly mix the macaroni and vegetables into the dressing.

Storing and Freezing Creamy Macaroni Salad

To store the creamy macaroni salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you plan to freeze the salad, it's best to do so before adding the mayonnaise and sour cream dressing. Cook and cool the macaroni, then mix it with the vegetables and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
When ready to serve the frozen salad, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, mix in the prepared dressing and season to taste with salt and pepper.
If you have already added the dressing to the salad and want to freeze it, be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. The mayonnaise and sour cream may separate and become watery. To minimize this effect, stir the salad well after thawing and consider adding a little extra dressing to restore the creamy consistency.
For best results, enjoy the creamy macaroni salad within a day or two of preparing it. This ensures the vegetables remain crisp and the flavors are at their peak.

Random Fact About Creamy Macaroni Salad

A fun fact about this creamy macaroni salad recipe is that the combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and evaporated milk creates a rich and velvety dressing that perfectly coats the elbow macaroni. This blend not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the salad remains creamy and delicious even after being refrigerated.

Is Making Creamy Macaroni Salad at Home Economical?

This creamy macaroni salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, and evaporated milk are affordable and readily available. Fresh vegetables such as onion, bell peppers, celery, and carrots add nutritional value without significantly increasing the cost. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $10-$12 USD.

Is Creamy Macaroni Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

This creamy macaroni salad recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:

The high amount of mayonnaise and sour cream contributes significant levels of saturated fat and calories.
Evaporated milk adds additional calories and fat to the dish.
The macaroni, being a refined carbohydrate, lacks fiber and essential nutrients.
The recipe includes a limited amount of vegetables, which are key sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

However, with a few tweaks, this salad can be transformed into a healthier option without compromising on taste:

Swap out half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein.
Replace the sour cream with a low-fat alternative or omit it altogether.
Use whole wheat macaroni to increase the fiber content and provide a more complex carbohydrate source.
Double the amount of vegetables in the recipe, such as bell peppers, celery, and carrots, to boost the nutrient profile and add more crunch and color to the salad.
Consider adding some lean protein sources, like diced chicken breast or canned tuna, to make the salad more satiating and balanced.
Experiment with reducing the amount of seasoning mix used, as it may contain a significant amount of sodium. Instead, opt for fresh herbs like parsley or dill to add flavor without the added salt.

Editor's Thoughts on This Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

This creamy macaroni salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and evaporated milk creates a rich and smooth dressing that perfectly coats the pasta. The mix of spices adds a subtle depth, while the fresh crunch from the bell peppers, celery, and carrots provides a refreshing contrast. It's a well-balanced dish that can serve as a great side for barbecues or picnics. However, consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a hint of acidity to brighten the overall flavor profile.

Enhance Your Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Imagine the smoky aroma of grilled chicken infused with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. This dish brings a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of the macaroni salad, adding a burst of freshness and a hint of charred goodness.

Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roasted Vegetable Medley: A colorful array of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection, caramelized edges, and a touch of olive oil. This side dish complements the creamy macaroni salad with its earthy flavors and crispy texture, making every bite a delightful experience.

Tangy Coleslaw: Tangy Coleslaw: Crisp cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy vinegar-based dressing. The sharpness of the coleslaw cuts through the richness of the macaroni salad, providing a refreshing crunch and a zesty kick that balances the meal perfectly.

Honey Glazed Ham: Honey Glazed Ham: Succulent slices of ham glazed with sweet honey and a hint of mustard. The savory and sweet notes of the ham harmonize beautifully with the creamy macaroni salad, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Garlic Breadsticks: Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks infused with garlic and parsley. These breadsticks offer a delightful crunch and a burst of garlicky goodness, making them the perfect accompaniment to the creamy, dreamy macaroni salad.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Creamy Macaroni Salad

Classic Potato Salad: Dive into the timeless delight of Classic Potato Salad. This dish features tender potatoes, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and a hint of mustard. Perfect for picnics and family gatherings.

Coleslaw: Enjoy the crunchy goodness of Coleslaw. Shredded cabbage and carrots are tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. This refreshing side dish pairs wonderfully with barbecue and grilled meats.

Chicken Pasta Salad: Savor the hearty flavors of Chicken Pasta Salad. Juicy chunks of chicken breast are mixed with pasta, bell peppers, and a zesty Italian dressing. It's a meal in itself!

Greek Salad: Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with Greek Salad. Crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onions, and kalamata olives are combined with feta cheese and a simple olive oil dressing.

Broccoli Salad: Indulge in the nutritious and flavorful Broccoli Salad. Fresh broccoli florets are mixed with bacon, red onions, and raisins, all coated in a sweet and tangy mayonnaise dressing.

Why trust this Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe:

This creamy macaroni salad recipe is a must-try for its perfect blend of flavors and textures. The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and evaporated milk creates a luscious dressing that coats every piece of elbow macaroni. Fresh vegetables like onion, bell peppers, celery, and carrots add a delightful crunch. The carefully selected seasonings ensure a balanced and flavorful dish. Trust this recipe for a crowd-pleasing, creamy delight that’s perfect for any occasion.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section. Let's discuss any variations or tips you have for making this classic dish!

FAQ:

How long can I store the creamy macaroni salad in the fridge?

You can store the creamy macaroni salad in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

Absolutely! You can use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well in the salad.

Is there a substitute for evaporated milk?

Yes, you can use regular milk or even half-and-half if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a bit different, but it will still be creamy.

Can I add other vegetables or proteins to the salad?

Of course! Feel free to add things like peas, cherry tomatoes, or even diced ham or chicken. It's a versatile recipe, so customize it to your liking.

How do I prevent the macaroni from getting mushy?

The key is to cook the macaroni until it's just al dente and then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta firm and prevents it from getting mushy in the salad.