Meredith’s Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

I’m so excited to share Meredith’s Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that just feels like summer in a bowl. Creamy, tangy, and loaded with fresh veggies, it’s perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or anytime you want something chilled and comforting on a warm day. Every time I make it, friends keep asking for the recipe, and I think you’re going to fall in love with it just like I did.

This macaroni salad is special because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy and crisp — thanks to the fresh cucumbers, celery, and just the right amount of tang from the Dijon mustard and vinegar in the dressing. Plus, Meredith’s Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe is super forgiving, so if you like it a bit zestier or with more crunch, it’s easy to tweak to your taste. Trust me, once you master this one, it’ll become your go-to for gatherings and casual meals alike.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in Meredith’s Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe plays a role to build that perfect harmony of creaminess, crunch, and flavor. When you pick fresh veggies and quality staples, it elevates the whole dish — plus, shopping is straightforward and budget-friendly.

• Macaroni: Classic elbow macaroni holds the dressing beautifully and offers a tender base that’s fun to eat.
• Cucumbers: I love using crisp, fresh cucumbers for their hydrating crunch and mild flavor that refreshes the palate.
• White onion: Just a small amount finely diced gives a pleasant bite without overpowering the salad.
• Green bell pepper: Adds a slight sweetness and vibrant color to brighten up the mix.
• Celery stalks: Crunchy and aromatic, celery gives you that classic salad texture boost.
• Sour cream: Brings richness and a little tang that softens the sharpness of mustard and vinegar.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing that ties everything together smoothly.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick with a subtle sharpness that wakes up the flavors.
• White vinegar: Gives the salad its bright zip and balances the creaminess perfectly.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated finely for a salty, umami depth that’s unexpected but so good.
• Granulated sugar: A touch to counterbalance acidity and round out the flavor profile.
• Dried dill: The herb that brings a fresh, slightly anise aroma that feels light and summery.
• Garlic powder: Adds warmth and a mellow savory note without being too sharp.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but I love the subtle heat that gives this macaroni salad a little personality.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every flavor involved.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about Meredith’s Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often switch up a few ingredients or add fun mix-ins depending on the season or what I have on hand — it keeps the salad fresh and exciting every time I serve it.

• Variation: I sometimes add chopped hard-boiled eggs or shredded cheddar cheese for extra heartiness, which my family loves on picnic days.
• Dietary Modifications: For a lighter option, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt; it still keeps the salad creamy with a tangier twist.
• Seasonal Changes: When cucumbers aren’t in season, I sub in crisp celery or radishes for crunch.
• Heat Level: If you like a little more kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Meredith’s Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni until it’s just tender — al dente is best here because it holds up beautifully in the salad without turning mushy. I always salt my boiling water well for flavor, then rinse the pasta under cold water as soon as it’s done to stop the cooking and cool it down. This prevents sticky clumps and keeps your salad nice and fresh.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, dice your cucumbers, green bell pepper, and finely chop the white onion and celery. I like using small dice for the onion so you get flavor without overpowering the salad. Freshness here is key — crisp veggies make all the difference.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, grated Parmesan, sugar, dried dill, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. I find whisking by hand helps dissolve the sugar and evenly blend the dry herbs for a smooth, flavorful dressing.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Toss the cooked pasta with all your diced veggies, then spoon the dressing over everything. Mix gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with that creamy goodness. Then, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors marry — this is a step I never skip because it truly makes the salad shine.

How to Serve Meredith’s Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top the salad with a sprinkle of fresh chopped dill or parsley for an herby pop of green, and sometimes a little extra grated Parmesan just before serving. For a bit of snappy color, diced cherry tomatoes make a lovely addition and brighten the plate — plus they add juicy bursts that contrast so nicely with the creamy dressing.

Side Dishes

This macaroni salad pairs like a dream with classic grilled foods — think burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue ribs. I also love it alongside grilled chicken or salmon for an easy summer dinner. And when I’m hosting, it’s a staple on my potluck table because it complements almost any picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun trick I’ve tried is serving Meredith’s Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for outdoor parties — it looks charming and is super convenient for guests. You can even layer in some colorful vegetables to make it look like a pretty salad parfait before mixing it up. Another idea is to put a scoop inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a fresh, edible bowl that’s as cute as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, though personally, it rarely lasts that long in my house! Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing and freshen the flavor.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because the creamy dressing can separate and the veggies will get watery when thawed. I’d recommend making it fresh or only preparing what you plan to eat within a few days.

Reheating

This macaroni salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just take it out of the fridge a little before serving so it loses some chill and the flavors come through more easily.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Meredith’s Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe has become a beloved staple in my recipe box because it’s reliable, crowd-pleasing, and so effortless to make. Whenever I bring it to gatherings or just whip it up for weekday dinners, it feels like sharing a little joy with every spoonful. I hope you give this recipe a try — it’s like having a taste of sunshine and comfort all mixed into one bowl.

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