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Pasta Salad with Mayo

Creamy Pasta Salad with Mayo: A Summer Classic Reimagined

This Creamy Pasta Salad with Mayo is a nostalgic summer dish, perfect for barbecues and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 cup Elbow Macaroni Substitution: Rotini or shells work just as well.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Substitution: Greek yogurt can lighten things up.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Substitution: Yellow mustard is a great alternative if needed.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Substitution: Try any color of bell pepper or even shredded carrots.
  • 1 cup Chopped Celery Substitution: Sweet jicama can add a twist.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Prep Note: Halve them before mixing in for ease.
  • ¼ cup Diced Red Onion Substitution: Green onions can provide a milder taste.
For the Sweetness
  • ½ cup Sweet Pickle Relish Substitution: Chopped dill pickles can work equally well.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • whisk

Method
 

Steps to Prepare
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
  3. Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing. Gently fold in diced bell peppers, chopped celery, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and sweet pickle relish using a spatula until everything is well mixed.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving for an extra pop of flavor.

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