Deli Macaroni Salad
A creamy, tangy macaroni salad with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings, offering a delightful balance of flavors.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. elbows pasta
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 8 oz. low-fat plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced radishes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water and drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt, cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper; whisk until smooth.
- Add chopped green pepper, sliced celery, sliced radishes, sliced scallions, and chopped parsley to the dressing; toss to combine.
- Stir in the cooled pasta until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting half of the mayonnaise with additional yogurt. You can also add diced pickles or relish for a tangy twist. If you're short on time, using pre-chopped vegetables can save you prep time. For a vegetarian option, ensure your mustard is vegetarian-friendly and explore additional veggies like peas or carrots for added color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Deli Macaroni Salad is perfect for picnics and barbecues. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch with a side of fruit, which pairs beautifully with Gourmet Fruit Mold. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein like shredded chicken or chickpeas. It also works well as a side dish for gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, you can stir in a bit more mayonnaise or yogurt before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may suffer upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deli Macaroni Salad contains roughly 103 calories, with 6g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 981mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?
Yes, this macaroni salad can be prepared a day in advance. In fact, chilling it for at least 1 hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo. This will maintain the creaminess while cutting down on calories. You can also mix in a bit of sour cream for added tang.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Deli Macaroni Salad is vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the mustard you use does not contain any animal products. It's a great option for gatherings, including vegetarian recipes for those who prefer plant-based dishes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).