This Coleslaw Pasta Salad is the ultimate fusion of creamy coleslaw and tender pasta, delivering a tangy, refreshing bite that’s ideal for warm-weather meals. The crisp cabbage and carrots from the coleslaw mix add a satisfying crunch, perfectly balanced by a slightly sweet and zippy dressing. Whether you’re prepping for a summer BBQ, a laid-back picnic, or just want a make-ahead side that everyone will love, this salad delivers. It’s a quick and easy recipe made with everyday ingredients and comes together in minutes. Serve it chilled and let the flavors do all the work – it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 pound elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
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1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon celery seed
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
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Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
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Add the coleslaw mix to the bowl, followed by the cooked macaroni, red onion, and parsley (if using).
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Toss everything together until well coated in the dressing.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
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Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Creamy Coleslaw Pasta Salad: A Perfect Summer Side Dish
When the weather turns warm and the grills come out, there’s one side dish that consistently makes an appearance at barbecues, picnics, and potlucks Coleslaw Pasta Salad. This vibrant, creamy dish combines two beloved classics: the crisp freshness of coleslaw and the comforting bite of macaroni salad. The result is a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful salad that’s a hit at any gathering.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is as simple to prepare as it is satisfying. It brings together familiar ingredients in a new way that might just become your next go-to dish for warm weather events.
A Fusion of Two Classics
Coleslaw and pasta salad are staple sides in American cuisine. Coleslaw brings crisp texture and a tangy creaminess from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing. Pasta salad, on the other hand, is heartier a cold dish often made with macaroni, vegetables, and a variety of dressings, ranging from Italian vinaigrette to rich mayonnaise bases.
This Coleslaw Pasta Salad fuses the two into one unforgettable dish. Instead of choosing between the crunch of coleslaw and the chew of macaroni, why not enjoy both? With the slaw mix providing texture and freshness, and the macaroni adding bulk and richness, this salad delivers on every front.
Why This Dish Works So Well
There are a few reasons this recipe has become a staple in summer menus:
1. Textural Harmony
One of the most delightful aspects of this salad is the contrast between the soft pasta and the crunchy vegetables. The macaroni soaks up the creamy dressing, while the coleslaw mix retains its texture, making each bite interesting and satisfying.
2. Flavor Balance
The dressing typically combines mayonnaise, a bit of sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and spices like celery seed. This balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors enhances both the pasta and the slaw, resulting in a well-rounded taste.
3. Visual Appeal
With shredded cabbage, carrots, parsley, and sometimes a dash of red onion, this dish is a visual treat. The blend of colors makes it look fresh and inviting on any table, especially outdoors in the summer light.
4. Easy and Adaptable
One of the best parts about this recipe is how forgiving it is. Use any short pasta you like elbow macaroni is traditional, but rotini, shells, or even bow ties work well. Add-ins are also welcome: diced bell peppers, celery, chopped pickles, or even cooked bacon can give it a whole new twist.
Ideal for Any Occasion
• Barbecues and Cookouts
This salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats think burgers, ribs, chicken, or hot dogs. The creamy tang cuts through smoky flavors and adds contrast to charred dishes.
• Picnics and Potlucks
Since this is a cold salad, it’s perfect for transport and outdoor serving. You can make it the night before and store it in the refrigerator until it’s time to go. It actually tastes better after a few hours when the flavors have had time to meld.
• Quick Weeknight Side
Need something fast to serve with a rotisserie chicken or simple pan-fried cutlets? This pasta slaw comes together in minutes and holds up well in the fridge, making it great for leftovers and meal prep.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the main advantages of Coleslaw Pasta Salad is how well it holds up after preparation. In fact, it’s encouraged to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to mingle and intensify.
• Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days, although the vegetables may soften a bit over time. If you prefer a crunchier texture, reserve some of the coleslaw mix and stir it in just before serving.
• Refreshing Leftovers
If the pasta absorbs too much of the dressing after sitting, you can stir in a spoonful or two of mayo or a splash of vinegar to refresh it. Add fresh herbs or a grind of black pepper to bring it back to life.
Customize to Your Preferences
There are numerous ways to put your own spin on this already-delicious salad. Here are some ideas:
• Add Protein
Want to turn this into a main dish? Add cooked, diced chicken, shrimp, ham, or even a can of drained tuna. This makes it more filling and suitable for a standalone lunch or dinner.
• Swap the Dressing
While the traditional version uses a mayo-based dressing, Greek yogurt can be used for a tangier, lighter option. Or go totally different and try a vinaigrette for a non-creamy variant.
• Spice It Up
Chop in some jalapeños, sprinkle red pepper flakes, or add a few dashes of hot sauce to give your salad a bit of heat.
• More Veggies
Don’t stop at cabbage and carrots. Add chopped celery, corn kernels, green peas, diced cucumbers, or bell peppers for more color and crunch.
Nutritional Considerations
This salad strikes a pleasant balance between indulgent and refreshing. While it includes mayonnaise, it also offers fiber from the cabbage and carrots, and energy from the pasta. If you’re looking to lighten it up, swap out half the mayo for Greek yogurt or use a reduced-fat version.
You can also use whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber content or opt for gluten-free pasta if needed. The basic recipe is vegetarian, making it an inclusive choice for a variety of diets.
A Modern Classic Worth Sharing
In today’s fast-paced world, there’s something comforting about simple, flavorful dishes like this one. Coleslaw Pasta Salad isn’t flashy or complex, but it delivers time and time again. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a household favorite one you pass down, bring to events, and share with friends who ask for “that amazing pasta slaw you made last time.”
Conclusion:
If you’re searching for a side dish that’s easy to make, universally loved, and adaptable to just about any occasion, Coleslaw Pasta Salad checks all the boxes. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and comes together quickly with minimal ingredients. It’s also a great example of how traditional favorites can be reinvented with a modern twist.
So whether you’re prepping for your next summer gathering or just want something simple and satisfying for dinner tonight, give this salad a try. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your seasonal recipe rotation.