Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe

Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe is a delightful dish that brings together ziti pasta, creamy sour cream, and fresh veggies for a refreshing side. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual family dinners. This crowd-pleaser stands out with its rich cheddar cheese and zesty dressing, ensuring it will be a hit at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute meal planning.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side or as a light main course—it’s great for any occasion!
• Flavorful and Filling: With the creamy dressing and hearty ingredients, this salad is both satisfying and delicious.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time; the flavors only get better after chilling!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making this Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe, ensure you have the right tools ready. Having the right equipment can simplify your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Grater
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the pasta to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine all your ingredients without mess.
• Grater: Ideal for finely shredding cheese and vegetables, enhancing texture in your salad.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pasta Base

• 1 lb. box of Ziti Pasta

For the Dressing

• 1.5 cups of Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup of Sour Cream
• 2 teaspoons of White Sugar

For the Vegetables

• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 1 medium sized Red Onion
• 1 large Carrot
• 2 stems of Celery
• 2 tablespoons of diced Pimientos with the liquid
• 1 bunch of fresh Parsley (optional)

For Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons of Celery Salt (or to taste)
• 2 teaspoons of Celery Seed (or to taste)

For Cheese

• 1 lb. block of your favorite Cheddar Cheese

How to Make Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta according to package directions. I recommend cooking it al dente since it will soften further when mixed with the dressing. Rinse well with cold water and drain.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Finely dice the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Add them to a large bowl and sprinkle with celery salt and celery seed. Toss to coat. Add the diced pimientos along with some liquid from the jar for added flavor.

Step 3: Grate and Mix in Carrot

Grate the carrot then chop through the grated bits to make smaller pieces. Add this to your bowl with vegetables.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In another bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and white sugar until smooth. You can opt for Mexican Crema if you prefer; both work well! Add a pinch of celery seed and salt if desired.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

If using fresh parsley, mince it finely before adding it to the vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until coated well.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Allow your salad mixture to sit for about 15 minutes so flavors can meld together. Then toss with mayo/sour cream mix followed by adding cooked pasta until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Fold in Cheese

Dice your cheddar cheese into very small chunks before gently folding them into your salad mix.

Step 8: Serve or Store

You can serve immediately but letting it chill in the fridge for about 4-6 hours (or overnight) enhances flavor even more!

How to Serve Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe

Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad is a delightful dish that can shine at any gathering. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a casual family dinner, this salad pairs beautifully with various foods.

As a Standalone Dish

• This salad can serve as a light lunch option on its own, especially during warm weather.

Pair with Grilled Meats

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a satisfying meal that balances the richness of the salad.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Complement with fresh veggie platters, such as cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes, for added crunch and freshness.

Add to Picnic Baskets

• This macaroni salad travels well, making it an excellent choice for picnics or outdoor gatherings.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling some extra parsley or chives on top before serving adds color and enhances flavor.

How to Perfect Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe

Achieving the perfect Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad takes just a few simple tweaks. With these tips, you’ll elevate your dish to deli-level deliciousness.

• Use quality cheese – Opt for a sharp cheddar for more intense flavor.
• Chill before serving – Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge enhances flavors and improves texture.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste test and add more celery salt or sugar as needed to balance flavors.
• Fresh ingredients matter – Use freshly chopped vegetables for better taste and crunch.
• Experiment with add-ins – Consider adding peas or diced pickles for additional texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe

Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad pairs well with many side dishes that enhance any meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers – Juicy chicken pieces marinated in herbs, grilled to perfection.
2. Coleslaw – A crunchy cabbage salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette, adding freshness.
3. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with butter; it’s a summer classic that everyone loves.
4. Vegetable Platter – Crisp vegetables like carrots and bell peppers served with hummus or ranch dip.
5. Potato Wedges – Seasoned baked potato wedges offer a crunchy complement to the creamy salad.
6. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices provide a hearty side option.
7. Caprese Salad – A refreshing mix of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
8. Grilled Zucchini – Lightly seasoned zucchini slices grilled until tender; they add a smoky flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can lead to mushy salad. Always cook it al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or wilted vegetables can ruin the taste. Always choose fresh and crisp veggies for the best flavor.
• Not Tasting Before Serving: Failing to taste your salad before serving can result in a bland dish. Adjust seasonings like celery salt to enhance flavor.
• Skipping the Refrigeration Step: Serving immediately may result in flavors not fully developing. Allowing it to chill for several hours enhances the taste.
• Cutting Cheese Too Large: Large cheese chunks won’t blend well into the salad. Dice the cheese very small for even distribution throughout.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days for best freshness.
• Keep it refrigerated; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Freezing Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe

• Freezing is not recommended as it can change texture and flavor.
• If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month.

Reheating Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad in a baking dish and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe?

Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad is a delicious pasta salad made with ziti, cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh vegetables.

Can I customize this Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables or substitute different cheeses based on your preference.

How long does Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 3 days.

Can I make Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s best made ahead of time as chilling allows flavors to meld together beautifully.

Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?

Yes! This salad is perfect for potlucks or gatherings since it’s easy to transport and serve cold.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe is not only rich and creamy but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether you’re having a picnic or hosting a gathering, this dish will surely impress your guests. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad is a creamy and refreshing dish that combines ziti pasta with rich cheddar cheese and an array of colorful vegetables. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or casual family dinners. The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise creates a zesty dressing that enhances the flavors of fresh veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. With its hearty texture and satisfying taste, this macaroni salad is sure to become a favorite at your next gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb. Ziti Pasta
• 1.5 cups Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 1 medium Red Onion
• 1 large Carrot
• 2 stems Celery
• 2 tablespoons diced Pimientos
• 1 lb. Cheddar Cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the ziti pasta in boiling water until al dente; rinse with cold water.
2. Dice the red onion, bell pepper, and celery; mix in a large bowl with celery salt and seed.
3. Grate the carrot and add it to the vegetable mix.
4. In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, and optional seasoning.
5. Combine the vegetable mix with the dressing and gently fold in cooked pasta.
6. Add diced cheddar cheese; mix well.
7. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 30mg