There’s just something so irresistible about a creamy and tangy Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad that instantly transports me to sunny summer picnics with my family. I can still picture my mom whipping up this delightful dish, her laughter mingling with the sounds of kids playing in the background. It’s a staple for gatherings, and every bite is a nostalgic reminder of those warm days spent outdoors, sharing stories and enjoying good food. The combination of sharp cheddar and cool sour cream creates a flavor explosion that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this macaroni salad, it’ll become a go-to for any occasion—picnics, barbecues, or even just a simple weeknight dinner. You’re going to love how easy it is to whip up and how it brings everyone together!
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad
Making this Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy, tangy salad that everyone will love. Trust me, it’s all about the timing and mixing, so let’s get started!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first—boil some water in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite! After draining the pasta, give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This will keep your salad nice and fresh!
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. This is where the creaminess magic happens! Add in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. You’ll want a nice, tangy dressing that complements the macaroni perfectly!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, let’s bring it all together! Toss the cooked and cooled macaroni into the bowl with the dressing and stir gently to coat every piece. Then, fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of diced celery, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, and 1/4 cup of diced green bell pepper. Take your time with this step—folding helps to keep everything intact while mixing in those tasty veggies and cheese!
Step 4: Chill the Salad
Once everything is combined, cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it chilled, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra creamy texture that keeps you coming back for more
- Tangy flavor from the sour cream and Dijon mustard
- Simple and quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a delicious side dish at dinner
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies or proteins for extra flair
- Great for meal prep; it stays delicious in the fridge for days!
Tips for Success
To make your Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad truly shine, I’ve got a few pro tips for you! First, if you’re looking to lighten things up, try replacing the sour cream with Greek yogurt—trust me, it works wonders! For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding crumbled bacon or even some diced pickles for a tangy twist. Oh, and don’t shy away from experimenting with different cheeses; a mix of sharp cheddar and pepper jack can add a delightful kick. Also, if you want to elevate the crunch factor, throw in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. Lastly, remember to taste your dressing before mixing it with the pasta; adjust the salt and pepper to your liking so every bite is just perfect!
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect in each serving of this delicious Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
This salad is not only creamy and satisfying but also packs a good punch of protein and flavor! Enjoy it guilt-free at your next gathering!
FAQ Section
Can I make Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and the flavors will meld beautifully overnight. It’s a great time-saver for picnics or parties!
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream. It’ll give you that same creamy texture with a bit of tang. You can also try using cottage cheese for a different twist!
How can I add more flavor to my macaroni salad?
To really amp up the flavor, consider adding some chopped herbs like dill or parsley. A splash of apple cider vinegar can also brighten things up. And don’t forget, crumbled bacon or diced pickles can add a fun zing!
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad, simply swap out the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
What’s the best way to serve this salad?
Serve this macaroni salad chilled for the best flavor. It makes a delightful side dish for barbecues or a main dish for a light lunch. Pair it with grilled meats or fresh veggies for a complete meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those creamy flavors for a bit longer. If you find yourself needing to reheat it, I recommend doing so gently in the microwave, but keep in mind that it’s best served cold. Just give it a good stir before diving back in—trust me, the flavors will still be delicious!
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Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and tangy macaroni salad with cheddar and sour cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Add the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the dressing and mix well.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the dressing and stir to coat.
- Fold in the cheddar cheese, celery, red onion, and green bell pepper.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- You can add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad, macaroni salad, creamy salad