Macaroni Coleslaw Salad Recipe
A refreshing and creamy macaroni coleslaw salad combining tender elbow pasta with crisp coleslaw mix, vibrant red pepper, cucumber, and red onion, all tossed in a tangy homemade mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for family gatherings or as a side dish for barbecues and picnics.
- Author: Daniel
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces elbow pasta (uncooked)
- 1 16-ounce bag coleslaw mix
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
Dressing
- 1.5 cups mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the elbow pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with the chopped red bell pepper, English cucumber, and red onion, ensuring an even distribution of the crisp vegetables.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Mix Salad: Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the coleslaw mix and vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over the top.
- Chill and Serve: Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats all ingredients evenly. Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Be sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing to maintain the salad’s texture.
- You can adjust the sugar in the dressing to taste for a less sweet version.
- Chilling the salad overnight enhances the flavor absorption.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with a low-fat or Greek yogurt alternative.
Keywords: macaroni salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, picnic salad, creamy dressing, side dish