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Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad

Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad: Creamy Delight for Any Occasion

Experience the tangy flavors of Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad, a crowd favorite perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Ziti Pasta Cook until al dente.
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Mexican Crema can be used as a sweeter alternative.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Can use other bell pepper varieties.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Substitute green onions for a milder taste.
  • 1 medium Carrot Grate for finer mix.
  • 1 cup Celery Cucumber can be used as an alternative.
Seasoning & Flavorings
  • 1 teaspoon Celery Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Celery Seed Optional but recommended.
  • 1/2 cup Diced Pimientos Roasted red peppers can be substituted.
Cheese & Sweetness
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Can use cheese cubes for texture.
  • 1 tablespoon White Sugar Adjust or omit for less sweetness.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • medium bowl
  • Colander
  • box grater
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil salted water and cook ziti pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Finely dice red onion, red bell pepper, and celery. Mix in a large bowl with celery salt and celery seed.
  3. Grate the carrot and add it to the diced vegetables. Stir to incorporate.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk sour cream and mayonnaise together. Gradually add white sugar, mixing until dissolved.
  5. Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables and stir gently to coat.
  6. Carefully fold in the cooled pasta without breaking it.
  7. Add diced or shredded cheddar cheese and fold it into the salad.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad improves in flavor the longer it rests, making it great for leftovers. Customize with seasonal veggies or cheese variations.

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