Classic Creamy Italian Macaroni Salad
Classic Creamy Italian Macaroni Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish perfect for summer gatherings or casual lunches. This creamy pasta salad features al dente elbow macaroni tossed with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing that packs a flavorful punch. It’s not only easy to prepare but also allows for customization, making it an ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family dinners. Plus, it tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped turkey slices
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Italian dressing, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Incorporate cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and parsley into the salad.
- If desired, fold in chopped turkey slices and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg