Description
A creamy and colorful macaroni salad with cheddar cheese and fresh vegetables, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. Ziti Pasta
- 1.5 cups Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 medium Red Onion, finely chopped
- 1 bunch fresh Parsley, optional
- 1 large Carrot, grated
- 2 stems Celery, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Celery Salt, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons Celery Seed, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons diced Pimientos with the liquid
- 1 lb. Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 2 teaspoons White Sugar
Instructions
- Start by cooking the Ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and let it cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and sugar until smooth and well blended.
- Stir in the diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, carrots, celery, and pimientos for added color and crunch.
- Once the pasta is cooled, fold it gently into the dressing mixture to combine everything evenly.
- Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese and season with celery salt and celery seed; mix until all the ingredients are well integrated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
Always cool the pasta completely to avoid a greasy texture. A sprinkle of paprika can add extra flavor when served.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg