About This Recipe
Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad is the ultimate make‑ahead pasta salad and a standout among potluck side dishes. With tender elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cubes, crisp celery and red onion, all enveloped in a tangy sour cream–mayonnaise dressing, it’s a crowd‑pleasing pasta salad that holds up beautifully for summer barbecues, picnic spreads, or weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad delivers on every front:
- No Fuss Prep: Beyond boiling pasta, no cooking is required—perfect for easy picnic recipes.
- Make‑Ahead Friendly: Flavors intensify after chilling, so it doubles as a convenient make‑ahead healthy side dish.
- Scalable: Feeding four or forty, it’s simple to multiply the ingredients for any gathering.
- Balanced Texture: Creamy dressing meets crisp vegetables and toothsome cheese—no soggy salad here.
- Versatile: Use Greek yogurt for a lighter twist or swap in buttery rotini for a best macaroni salad recipe upgrade.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (120 g) sharp cheddar cheese, cut into ¼‑inch cubes
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup (75 g) red onion
- ½ cup (75 g) celery
- ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Cook and Chill the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander, rinse under cold water until no longer hot, and drain thoroughly—this step prevents sticking and ensures a firm bite.
2. Whisk the Dressing
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. The vinegar and sugar balance the creaminess, creating the tangy profile that defines this tangy macaroni salad.
3. Build the Salad
Add the cooled macaroni, cheddar cubes, diced red onion, chopped celery, and parsley to the bowl. Gently fold with a silicone spatula until every piece of pasta and vegetable is evenly coated.
4. Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling not only melds the flavors but also firms up the dressing into a silky coating. Before serving, give it a final gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
Pro Tips for Success
- Uniform Cuts: Dice onion and celery to similar sizes for consistent texture in every bite.
- Cold Pasta Is Key: Never skip the rinse—cold, drained pasta absorbs dressing without becoming mushy.
- Chill Time Matters: Make this up to 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor—ideal for easy weeknight dinner ideas.
- Dressing Variations: Swap half the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to lighten calories while keeping tang.
Variations to Try
- Veggie‑Loaded Version: Stir in blanched peas, diced bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.
- Protein Boost: Mix in cubed ham, cooked chicken, or canned tuna to transform it into a heartier meal.
- Herb Infusion: Replace parsley with fresh dill or chives for a bright herbal twist.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled Meats: Juicy burgers, chicken skewers, or smoky ribs.
- Fresh Greens: A crisp garden salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for balance.
- Bread Basket: Warm dinner rolls or crusty baguette slices to sop up any stray dressing.
Storage and Make‑Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Flavors continue to develop, making leftovers even more delicious.
- Avoid Freezing: The creamy dressing separates on thawing—stick to the fridge.
- Revive Before Serving: If the dressing firms up too much, stir in a tablespoon of milk or extra vinegar to loosen it.
Whether you’re hunting for the best macaroni salad for a summer bash or need a reliable make‑ahead healthy side dish, this Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad checks every box. Creamy, tangy, and loaded with cheddar and crisp veggies, it’s destined to become your go‑to for effortless entertaining and weekend meal prep alike. Enjoy!