Oh, let me tell you about my elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe! This dish is like a burst of sunshine on a plate. It’s wonderfully versatile, perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner at home. I love making this salad because it’s so quick to whip up, and it always impresses my friends and family. The crunchy veggies and creamy dressing come together in the most delightful way, making it a hit every time. Plus, you can customize it with whatever you have on hand, and it still tastes fantastic! Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your rotation.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure your vegetables are fresh for that crunchy bite! And don’t hesitate to get creative with your add-ins; you might find a new favorite combination. Just remember to keep everything chopped and prepped, so mixing goes smoothly and you get that beautiful medley of colors in your salad!
How to Prepare Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad Easy Recipe
Preparing this elbow macaroni pasta salad is super simple and oh-so-rewarding! Let’s dive right in and make this delicious dish together. You’ll see how quickly it comes together, and I promise, it’s worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in the 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. You want that perfect bite!
- Once your macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down, so it won’t wilt those lovely veggies later.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled macaroni, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1 cup diced bell pepper. The colors will pop and make your heart sing!
- In a separate small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and season it with salt and pepper. This creamy dressing is the magic touch!
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture. Give it a good stir until everything is well-coated and happy together.
- Now for the hardest part—let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those flavors to mingle and create a delicious symphony!
And there you have it! Your elbow macaroni pasta salad is ready to shine at any gathering or just for a delightful meal at home. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
- Deliciously refreshing with vibrant veggies.
- Customizable to suit your taste—add your favorite ingredients!
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone.
- Ideal for any occasion, from picnics to family dinners.
Tips for Success
To make sure your elbow macaroni pasta salad turns out perfectly every time, here are my go-to tips! First, don’t overcook the macaroni; al dente is the way to go, as it holds up better in the salad. Rinsing it with cold water is crucial, so you avoid that gummy mess. When mixing in your veggies, feel free to explore! But be cautious with watery ingredients like cucumbers—squeeze out excess moisture to keep your salad from getting soggy. And remember, letting it chill is a must; that’s when the flavors really come alive! Happy cooking!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Now, let’s talk about some fun substitutions and notes for your elbow macaroni pasta salad! If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can swap it out for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist and a bit of extra protein. Want to jazz it up a notch? Try adding some diced avocado for creaminess or sprinkle in some crumbled feta or mozzarella for a cheesy touch. You can also mix in other veggies like bell peppers or carrots based on what you have on hand. Remember, this salad is all about your personal taste, so get creative and enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these numbers as a guideline rather than a hard rule. For a serving size of 1 cup, you can expect around 250 calories, but feel free to adjust based on your personal preferences and additions!
FAQ Section
Can I make this elbow macaroni pasta salad ahead of time? Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making a day in advance, as the flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight.
What can I add to this easy pasta salad recipe? You can customize it with a variety of ingredients! Try adding olives, diced pickles, or even some cooked bacon for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Is this pasta salad gluten-free? Not with traditional elbow macaroni, but you can easily swap it out for gluten-free pasta to fit your dietary needs.
How long does this salad last in the fridge? When stored in an airtight container, it should stay fresh for about 3-5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving!
Can I freeze leftover pasta salad? It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the veggies can change once thawed. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your elbow macaroni pasta salad, simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-5 days—just give it a stir before serving again! I don’t recommend reheating this salad, as it’s best enjoyed cold with all those lovely, crisp veggies. Trust me, that’s where the magic happens!
For more tips on pasta salads, check out this cucumber and avocado salad recipe that offers a refreshing twist!
Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of pasta, you can read more about it here.
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Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad Easy Recipe for Busy Days
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This elbow macaroni pasta salad is a quick and easy recipe perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse macaroni under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine macaroni, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over pasta and vegetables; mix well.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add any other vegetables you like.
- This salad can be made a day ahead.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe
