Zesty Macaroni Coleslaw Recipe: A Fresh Summer Classic

Creamy, crunchy macaroni coleslaw brings unexpected delight to summer picnics and backyard gatherings.

Cabbage and pasta create a surprising texture fusion that keeps everyone guessing.

Tangy dressing weaves through crisp vegetables and tender noodles with irresistible charm.

Cool and refreshing, this dish breaks traditional side salad boundaries with its playful spirit.

Crisp carrots and zesty mayo mingle beautifully in this crowd-pleasing creation.

Every bite promises a delightful dance of flavors that complement grilled meats perfectly.

Grab a spoon and dive into this ultimate crowd-pleaser that will have people asking for seconds.

Steps To Make Macaroni Coleslaw

Step 1: Boil Perfect Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente—tender but still firm. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Craft Dreamy Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, granulated sugar, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Veggie Mix

Finely chop coleslaw mix, green onions, celery, and red bell pepper if using. Set the veggies aside, ready to bring crunch and color to your salad.

Step 4: Blend Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and gently stir until everything is evenly coated and well mixed.

Step 5: Chill and Elevate Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld. Serve cold as a refreshing, creamy, and crunchy side dish.

Tips To Help With Macaroni Coleslaw

• Pasta Perfection: Rinse macaroni in cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping, ensuring a crisp texture in your coleslaw.
• Creamy Customization: Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing that reduces calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Veggie Variety: Experiment with additional fresh vegetables like shredded carrots or chopped cucumber to add more crunch and nutritional value.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the coleslaw a day in advance to allow flavors to meld, creating an even more delicious and well-integrated salad.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Use gluten-free macaroni or substitute with quinoa for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delightful texture and taste.

Macaroni Coleslaw Storage How-To

• Refrigerate your macaroni coleslaw in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
• Keep the salad chilled and consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
• Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Stir the coleslaw gently before serving if the dressing has separated during storage, helping to redistribute the flavors and maintain its creamy consistency.
• Pro tip: Store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients if you plan to keep it longer than 2 days to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Macaroni Coleslaw Goes Well With

• Pair with Crisp Picnic Proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork, or BBQ ribs for a perfect summer meal combination that balances creamy coleslaw with smoky, tender meats.
• Match with Refreshing Summer Drinks: Complement the tangy, creamy salad with ice-cold sweet tea, crisp lager, or a zesty lemonade that cuts through the richness of the dressing.
• Create Backyard Barbecue Harmony: Combine with corn on the cob, baked beans, and cornbread to build a classic American side dish spread that brings out the best in each component.
• Enhance with Crunchy Texture Toppers: Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds, crispy bacon bits, or crushed potato chips on top to add an extra layer of crunch and flavor contrast.

Why Macaroni Coleslaw Is A Go-To

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This macaroni coleslaw comes together effortlessly in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Performer: Packed with colorful veggies and creamy dressing, this recipe appeals to all ages and serves as an excellent potluck or picnic contribution that will disappear fast from the serving table.
• Flexible Flavor Adventure: Customize your coleslaw by adding optional ingredients like red bell peppers or swapping vinegar types, allowing personal creativity while maintaining a foolproof base recipe that guarantees tasty results every single time.
• Prepare-Ahead Perfection: Chilling the salad for an hour before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully, making this dish an ideal make-ahead option for meal planning or spontaneous gatherings with minimal last-minute preparation.

Macaroni Coleslaw Ingredient Breakdown

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for salads, holds dressing well.

• Coleslaw Mix, Green Onions, Celery, Red Bell Pepper: Fresh crunch and color for the salad, provides texture and nutrition.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base for coating salad, adds rich flavor.
• Sugar, Vinegar, Mustard: Balance of sweetness and tanginess for dressing.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste.

Ways To Switch Macaroni Coleslaw

• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken or tuna chunks to transform the macaroni coleslaw into a hearty main dish packed with protein.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced jalapeños, corn kernels, and swap vinegar for lime juice to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Veggie Swap: Replace macaroni with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that's equally delicious.
• Herb Garden Refresh: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, and chives to add bright, fresh flavors and increase the salad's nutritional profile.

Macaroni Coleslaw FAQ List

• Why use both mayo and sour cream in the dressing?

The combination creates a rich, tangy flavor that’s creamier and more complex than using just mayo. Sour cream adds a nice brightness and slight tang that balances the richness.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This macaroni coleslaw actually tastes better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours. The flavors meld together, making it perfect for preparing in advance for potlucks or picnics.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids typically love the creamy texture and mild flavors. The pasta makes it fun to eat, and the crunchy vegetables add a nice texture that many children enjoy. You can even let them help mix the ingredients.

• How can I add more protein to this salad?

Try mixing in some diced rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, or even diced ham. These additions can turn the coleslaw into a more substantial main dish and boost its nutritional value.

Macaroni Coleslaw Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crisp and creamy macaroni coleslaw delivers summer picnic perfection with its zesty crunch and cool, tangy dressing. Cool pasta and fresh vegetables combine for a refreshing side dish that refreshes and delights.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage & carrots)
• 3 green onions, sliced
• ½ cup celery, finely chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta foundation by submerging macaroni in generously salted boiling water, ensuring a perfect al dente texture. Quickly transfer to a colander and rinse with chilled water to halt cooking process and prevent clumping.
2. Craft a creamy dressing by whisking together tangy mayonnaise, velvety sour cream, subtle sugar, zesty vinegar, robust mustard, and delicate seasoning until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Assemble the salad components by combining the cooled macaroni with crisp coleslaw blend, sharp green onions, crunchy celery, and vibrant red bell pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
4. Drench the salad mixture with prepared dressing, gently folding and tossing to guarantee uniform coating and distribution of flavors throughout every morsel.
5. Allow the coleslaw to marinate and develop depth by covering and refrigerating for a minimum of one hour, enabling ingredients to meld and intensify their collective taste profile.
6. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and restore its fresh, glossy appearance, ensuring maximum gustatory enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Add crunch by mixing in toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds for extra protein and texture contrast.
• Enhance flavor by incorporating fresh herbs like dill or parsley to brighten the overall taste profile.
• Make it gluten-free by using chickpea or rice pasta instead of traditional wheat macaroni for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg