Home Style Macaroni Salad
Summer is the time for picnics, BBQs and the perfect time to gather with your friends and family and share a meal. 
Potluck dinners are great for get-togethers. It’s a chance to show off a new recipe or an old family favorite.
When it comes to summer entertaining, Macaroni Salad always satisfies. But, of course, I am not talking about the stuff from the grocery deli.
I am talking about the Macaroni Salad, whose recipe has been handed down from generation to generation, with each generation adding its spin.
The best, old-fashioned, creamy macaroni salad is made with eggs and crisp vegetables mixed in a simple and creamy dressing. Like I said earlier, it is perfect for any picnic, potluck, or barbecue.
My version of Macaroni Salad has been handed down from past generations. The cheddar cheese cubes add a different texture and a tanginess that is missing from other macaroni salads I have tried.
I hope you will give my Macaroni Salad a try when you are heading to your next picnic. My recipe wasn’t handed down to you from Grandma, but perhaps you will pass it down to your next generation. Nothing would make me prouder. Enjoy!
Macaroni Salad
This is a traditional, creamy, tangy, and easy macaroni salad recipe! Made with classic ingredients with the addition of cheese cubes, which sends this Macaroni Salad over the top. This is guaranteed to be a hit at every cookout and potluck this year!
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni noodles
- 1/2 cup finely diced sweet gherkins
- 4-6 sweet gherkins ,diced
- 3/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup peas, frozen
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced
- 2 hard boiled eggs, finely diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese cubes
Salad Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
Instructions
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Prepare macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water, then drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and gently stir, so the noodles don't stick together as they sit.
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In a large bowl, combine macaroni noodles, sweet pickles, red pepper, celery, red onion, tomatoes, and eggs. Stir until well-combined. Set aside and prepare your dressing.
For the Dressing
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To prepare your macaroni salad dressing, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, sweet pickle juice, sugar, peas, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper (if using) in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk until ingredients are well-combined.
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Pour dressing over your macaroni salad ingredients and toss until well-combined.
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For best flavor, cover bowl and allow macaroni salad to chill for at least one hour. Stir once more before serving and enjoy!