Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe! It’s the kind of dish that’s not only super simple to whip up but also packed with flavor and colorful textures. I grew up enjoying this at family gatherings, where it was always the star of the buffet table. Trust me, it’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or just a cozy dinner at home. You can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand, making it endlessly customizable! Plus, it’s such a crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Seriously, you’ll want to have this recipe on speed dial!
Ingredients for Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad Easy Recipe
- 2 cups elbow macaroni – this is the star of the show! Make sure to cook it al dente for the perfect bite.
- 1 cup mayonnaise – I love using a good quality mayo for a creamy texture that binds everything together.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – these little bursts of sweetness add color and freshness.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced – for a refreshing crunch, I like to peel it first to keep the salad light.
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced – just a bit of sharpness to balance the creamy dressing, and it looks so pretty!
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced – any color you like! They add sweetness and a fun crunch.
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped – this brightens up the dish and gives it an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t skip this! A little seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the flavors.
How to Prepare Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad Easy Recipe
Getting this elbow macaroni pasta salad ready is a breeze, and it’s all about following a few simple steps! Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Cook the Elbow Macaroni
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 8 to 10 minutes—for that perfect al dente texture. Once they’re done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial to prevent mushy pasta later on!
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While your pasta is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and combine 1 cup of mayonnaise with salt and pepper. I like to start with about a teaspoon of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, but you can always adjust to your taste. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth—this creamy goodness will be the heart of your salad!
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add your cooled elbow macaroni to the dressing, followed by the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and chopped parsley. Using a spatula or a large spoon, gently toss everything together. You want to make sure every piece of pasta is coated with that delicious dressing and all the veggies are evenly distributed. It’s a colorful mix that looks as good as it tastes!
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Here’s the final touch: cover your salad with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the pasta salad even tastier. When you’re ready to serve, just give it a quick stir and enjoy this delightful dish! You’ll love how refreshing and satisfying it is!
Tips for Success
To make your elbow macaroni pasta salad even more fabulous, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite veggies; bell peppers, peas, or even some diced avocado can add a nice touch! If you’re looking to amp up the flavor, try adding a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing for a zesty kick. Also, this salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a day in advance—just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to re-distribute the dressing. Trust me, the longer it sits, the better the flavors get!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
It’s important to remember that the nutritional values for this elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I’ve provided some general estimates, exact values aren’t guaranteed. So, if you’re tracking your intake closely, feel free to adjust the ingredients as needed. Cooking is all about making it your own, right? Enjoy your delicious creation without stress!
FAQ About Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad Easy Recipe
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! If you want to make this elbow macaroni pasta salad a bit heartier, you can easily add some protein. Shredded chicken or canned tuna are both fantastic options that blend well with the flavors. Just mix in about a cup of your choice when you combine the veggies, and you’ve got yourself a filling meal! It’s a great way to add nutrition and keep you satisfied.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers? You bet! This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle. I recommend enjoying it within a couple of days for the best taste and freshness. But trust me, it’s so delicious, you might not have any leftovers!
Can I use different vegetables?
Of course! One of the best things about this elbow macaroni pasta salad is its versatility. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables based on what you have on hand! Sweet peas, diced bell peppers, or even shredded carrots can add color and crunch. You can also use seasonal veggies like zucchini or asparagus when they’re fresh. The sky’s the limit, so get creative and make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Rich and creamy flavor that everyone will enjoy!
- Endlessly customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins.
- Great for potlucks, BBQs, and family meals.
- Can be made ahead of time, saving you stress on the day of serving.
- A colorful dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate!
Serving Suggestions
This elbow macaroni pasta salad is a fantastic side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or burgers for a backyard BBQ. It also complements fish dishes perfectly, adding a refreshing touch to your plate. For a lighter option, try it with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies. Trust me, it makes any meal feel like a special occasion!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this pasta primavera recipe or this easy pasta salad recipe.
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Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad Easy Recipe for Joyful Gatherings
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy elbow macaroni pasta salad recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooled macaroni, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and parsley to the bowl.
- Toss well to coat all ingredients with dressing.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust vegetables to your taste.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Add protein like chicken or tuna for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe
