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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drench the salad mixture with prepared dressing, gently folding and tossing to guarantee uniform coating and distribution of flavors throughout every morsel.
- 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.
- 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