Are you tired of heavy, mayonnaise-laden macaroni salads? Craving a lighter, brighter alternative that's still bursting with flavor? Then you've come to the right place! This creamy, dreamy macaroni salad recipe skips the mayo entirely, offering a refreshing twist on a classic side dish. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and unbelievably delicious. Get ready to experience macaroni salad in a whole new light!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped sweet bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
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Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, buttermilk (or milk), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), celery seed, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
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Combine ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni, chopped celery, red onion, and bell pepper to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
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Chill and serve: Cover the macaroni salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the salad thicken slightly. Before serving, stir gently and add the shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
Tips for the Best Macaroni Salad:
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Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your macaroni salad will be greatly enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
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Don't overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy and unpleasant in the salad. Aim for al dente pasta.
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Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of vinegar, honey, or spices to suit your preferences.
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Add protein: For a heartier salad, add cooked chicken, ham, or hard-boiled eggs.
Variations:
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Spicy Macaroni Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a kick.
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Italian Macaroni Salad: Substitute Italian dressing for the homemade dressing and add sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
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Veggie-Packed Macaroni Salad: Add chopped cucumbers, carrots, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This no-mayo macaroni salad is a lighter, healthier, and equally delicious alternative to traditional recipes. It's a perfect example of how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be. Enjoy!