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Creamy Classic Elbow Macaroni Salad with Peas

creamy classic elbow macaroni salad with peas - featured image
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A creamy, tangy elbow macaroni salad with sweet peas, perfect for picnics and potlucks. This classic recipe balances comfort with freshness and is quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (8 oz / 225 g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely, about 10 minutes.
  2. Thaw frozen peas by running under cool water or leaving out for 10 minutes. Drain well. Finely chop celery and red onion (if using). Set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Add cooled macaroni, peas, chopped celery, and onion to the dressing. Gently fold together using a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring pasta is evenly coated without breaking.
  5. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir gently before serving to freshen.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta well to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Chill salad at least 1 hour for best flavor. Stir gently to keep pasta intact. Adjust seasoning after chilling with extra salt or vinegar if needed. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, use vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, elbow macaroni salad, creamy pasta salad, picnic side dish, peas, classic macaroni salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/creamy-classic-elbow-macaroni-salad-with-peas-easy-recipe-for-perfect-picnic-side/