Creamy, Loaded with Veggies & Totally Irresistible
This Creamy Macaroni Salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish that brings together tender elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a dreamy dressing made from Knorr vegetable soup mix, sour cream, and mayo. Packed with red and green bell peppers, peas, celery, and green onions—it’s fresh, crunchy, and bursting with flavor.
Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧈 Creamy Dreamy Dressing: The secret mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Knorr gives a rich, savory base.
- 🥦 Veggie-Packed Crunch: Bell peppers, peas, celery, and onions bring texture and color in every bite.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Boil, mix, chill—ready in under 30 minutes.
- 🍝 Customizable: Add shrimp, ham, turkey, or bacon for extra protein.
- 🎉 Crowd-Favorite Classic: So good it disappears fast—double the batch just to be safe!
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or small pasta like shells or tri-color blend)
- Salted water, for boiling
For the Dressing:
- 1 packet Knorr® Vegetable Soup or Dip Mix (classic seasoning base)
- 1 cup sour cream
- Mayonnaise – amount equal to the sour cream (about 1 cup)
For the Veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 8 oz frozen peas , thawed (or fresh if preferred)
- 1 stalk celery , finely diced
- 1 cup green onions , sliced
Optional add-ins:
- Diced cooked ham
- Chopped turkey or chicken
- Cooked shrimp or crumbled bacon
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions—usually about 10–11 minutes for al dente.
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool quickly.
Let drain well before using.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large bowl, combine:
- Vegetable soup/dip mix
- Sour cream
- Equal amount of mayonnaise (1 cup each)
Stir until smooth and fully blended.
Tip: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayo.
Step 3: Add the Chopped Veggies
To the dressing, stir in:
- Red and green bell peppers
- Thawed peas
- Diced celery
- Sliced green onions
Mix well so all veggies are evenly coated.
Step 4: Combine with Macaroni
Add the cooled, drained macaroni to the veggie-dressing mixture.
Gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
Sprinkle with a bit of black pepper for extra depth.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving—this allows flavors to meld and the salad to firm up.
For best results, let chill 2–3 hours or overnight.
Step 6: Serve Cold & Crave-Worthy
Serve chilled as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers.
If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, double the recipe—it won’t last long!
Tips for Success:
- 🧊 Chill Ingredients Well: Keeps the salad cold and creamy.
- 🍗 Protein Boost: Stir in shredded cooked chicken, ham, or boiled shrimp for a heartier meal.
- 🧁 Make Ahead Magic: Tastes better after sitting—perfect for meal prep!
- 🥣 Adjust Seasoning: Let sit in fridge and taste again before serving—add more salt/pepper if needed.
- ❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Freeze optional proteins separately and add when reheating.
Serving Suggestions:
- Great at backyard barbecues, church picnics, or school lunches.
- Ideal with fried chicken, ribs, or alongside pulled pork.
- Perfect for summer parties, baby showers, or casual dinners.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 8 servings – approximate):
(Without added protein – regular ingredients)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~15g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~4g
This Best Macaroni Salad recipe is the kind of side that becomes the star of the plate. With its creamy dressing, crisp veggies, and classic comfort taste—it’s a staple you’ll want on your table year-round.
So go ahead and make this today… because once you try it—you’ll understand why people ask for seconds (and thirds)!
