Hey there, friends! I’m so excited to share my elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe with you. This dish is one of those magical creations that comes together in no time and tastes like a little slice of summer! Seriously, it’s as simple as boiling some pasta and tossing in fresh veggies. The creamy dressing is just the cherry on top! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, having a picnic, or just need a quick meal for the week, this pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you love. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni – This is the star of the salad! Cooked to al dente perfection, it holds all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Sweet and juicy, these little gems add color and a burst of freshness.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced – Crunchy and refreshing, cucumbers bring a nice crisp texture to the mix.
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped – Adds a bit of zing and flavor—just make sure to chop it finely so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients!
- 1 cup mayonnaise – This is the creamy base of our dressing. It makes everything wonderfully smooth and rich.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – A splash of tanginess that balances the richness of the mayo. It’s a game-changer!
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skip this! A little seasoning can elevate the flavors of the entire salad.
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time. The key here is to let the flavors meld together while your pasta cools, so be sure to plan for a little chill time. Here’s how it’s done:
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor and then toss in your 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the macaroni and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely while you prep the veggies.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, and 1/2 cup of chopped red onion. Stir gently to mix everything together.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is what brings the salad to life!
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir until everything is coated evenly. Yum!
- Now, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all those wonderful flavors to mingle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just about 10 minutes of prep time, making it a lifesaver for busy days!
- Refreshing Taste: The combination of juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers creates a fresh and vibrant flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or add proteins like chicken or tuna to customize it to your liking.
- Great for Gatherings: This salad is a hit at potlucks, picnics, and barbecues—everyone loves a classic pasta salad!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can whip it up a day in advance, letting the flavors deepen and making it even easier to serve.
- Kid-Friendly: With its creamy dressing and fun pasta shape, it’s a dish that even the pickiest eaters will love!
Tips for Success
To make sure your elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe turns out just perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! Trust me, these little adjustments can make a world of difference.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season. Bell peppers, peas, or even shredded carrots can add great flavor and color!
- Protein Boost: If you want to make this salad more filling, consider adding in some diced cooked chicken or canned tuna. They mix in beautifully and add an extra punch of protein!
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking—it can really elevate the dish!
- Chill Time: I recommend letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit longer. The flavors will deepen, and it’ll taste even better!
- Storage Savvy: This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue or picnic, or enjoy it as a light lunch. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be a perfect standalone dish on a warm day!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any adjustments you make.
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 6g
These figures should give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying, making it easy to fit this delicious salad into your meal plans!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making this elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe a day in advance is a great idea. It gives the flavors more time to mingle and develop. Just prepare the salad as directed, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir to refresh it!
What can I add for extra protein?
If you want to pack in some extra protein, there are plenty of delicious options! Diced cooked chicken or canned tuna are my go-to choices—they mix in perfectly and complement the flavors of the salad. You could also try adding chickpeas or diced hard-boiled eggs for a vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless!
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the pasta may soak up some of the dressing as it sits, so you might want to add a little extra mayo or a splash of vinegar when you’re ready to enjoy it again. Always give it a good stir before serving!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe turns out! If you give it a try, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any fun adjustments or add your favorite ingredients? I’m always excited to learn from fellow home cooks! And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it. Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover this delicious dish. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see your pasta salad creations!
Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad Easy Recipe for Summer Bliss
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and quick elbow macaroni pasta salad recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix well.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust vegetables based on preference.
- You can add cooked chicken or tuna for extra protein.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe
