If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s super easy to whip up, let me tell you about my go-to elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe! This dish has been a staple at all my family gatherings, and it’s always a hit. I love how quickly you can throw it together, yet it feels so fresh and bright. The combination of crunchy veggies and creamy dressing creates a delightful texture that everyone enjoys. Plus, it’s versatile—perfect for barbecues, picnics, or even as a side dish for a cozy dinner at home. Just imagine serving this colorful salad at your next gathering, and watching everyone come back for seconds! Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes to get that perfect al dente texture. Just keep an eye on it!
- Once it’s cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This step is super important because it stops the cooking process and helps cool it down quickly.
- While the macaroni is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
- Now, it’s time to add in the star players! Toss in the cooled elbow macaroni, diced celery, bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. You want to make sure every piece is coated with that creamy goodness, so mix it all together gently.
- Once everything is combined, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to make—prep and cook time combined is just about 25 minutes!
- With only a handful of simple ingredients, you won’t have to scour specialty stores to find what you need.
- This pasta salad is incredibly versatile; you can serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a main course with added protein.
- Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or potlucks—everyone loves a good pasta salad!
- It can be made ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy your event without stress.
- Chilling it allows the flavors to deepen, making each bite even more delicious.
- It’s vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable for various dietary preferences.
Tips for Success
To make sure your elbow macaroni pasta salad turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Taste as you go: Don’t be shy about tasting the dressing before mixing it with the pasta and veggies. Adjust the seasoning to your liking! If you want a little more tang, add a splash more of apple cider vinegar.
- Chill for flavor: I can’t stress enough how important chilling is! Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or even longer if you can wait!) allows all those flavors to mingle and really shine. It’s like a flavor party in there!
- Veggie options: Feel free to mix in or swap out veggies based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even peas can add a nice crunch and color.
- Protein boost: If you’re looking for something heartier, throw in some diced cooked chicken or chickpeas. It turns this salad into a satisfying meal all on its own.
- Hold the mayo: Want a lighter version? Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It’s healthier and still tastes creamy and delicious!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a pasta salad that’s not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Veggie Medley: Swap out the bell pepper and celery for other colorful veggies! Try adding diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even some sweet corn for an extra crunch.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can elevate this salad to a whole new level! Consider mixing in chopped parsley, dill, or basil for a burst of freshness.
- Protein Power: For a heartier dish, add diced cooked chicken, tuna, or even chickpeas. They not only make it more filling but also add a nice protein kick!
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle in some shredded cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or feta for a deliciously cheesy twist. It adds creaminess and great flavor!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the dressing. It’ll give your pasta salad an exciting zing!
- Fruit Flair: For a sweet contrast, consider adding halved grapes, diced apples, or even mandarin oranges. It’s a delightful surprise in every bite!
Feel free to experiment with these variations and find the combinations that make your taste buds dance. Cooking is all about having fun, so let your imagination run wild!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying delicious food, I always find it helpful to know what I’m working with nutritionally. For this elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe, here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. If you make any substitutions or additions, like adding proteins or different dressings, the nutritional content will change. But hey, the most important thing is to enjoy every bite of this delightful pasta salad!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your elbow macaroni pasta salad easy recipe is a breeze! Just transfer any unused salad into an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and prevent any unwanted odors from mingling in your fridge. It should stay good for about 3-5 days, but trust me, it’s so tasty that it probably won’t last that long!
When it comes to reheating, you actually don’t need to! This pasta salad is best served cold, and the flavors only get better as it sits. If you find it a bit thick after chilling, just stir in a splash of milk or some extra mayonnaise to bring back that creamy texture. But if you really want to warm it up, do so gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, stirring halfway through. Just be cautious not to overheat it, as the creamy dressing can separate if it gets too hot.
Enjoy your delicious salad, even as leftovers—it’s just as delightful the next day!
FAQ Section
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This elbow macaroni pasta salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, I recommend chilling it for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors meld together beautifully. You can make it a day in advance, just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It still gives you a creamy texture without all the calories. You can also try using a vinaigrette for a different flavor profile—it’s all about your personal taste!
Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
To make this elbow macaroni pasta salad gluten-free, just swap the regular elbow macaroni for a gluten-free version. Many brands now offer great gluten-free pasta that cooks up just as well!
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Adding cooked chicken, tuna, or even chickpeas can turn this salad into a heartier meal. Just mix in your protein of choice when you’re combining the veggies and macaroni for a satisfying dish!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-5 days. Just remember, this salad is best served cold, so you can enjoy it straight from the fridge without any reheating!

Elbow Macaroni Pasta Salad Easy Recipe for Joyful Gatherings
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
This elbow macaroni pasta salad is a quick and easy recipe perfect for gatherings.
Składniki
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instrukcje
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked macaroni, celery, bell pepper, tomatoes, and onion.
- Toss until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 10 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: Boiling and Mixing
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 400mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 12g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 25g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Słowa kluczowe: elbow macaroni, pasta salad, easy recipe