What is the one side dish that’s an absolute must-have at any summer barbecue, potluck, or family picnic? For so many of us, the answer is a big, chilled bowl of creamy macaroni salad. But let’s be honest—not all macaroni salads are created equal. We’ve all had versions that are bland, dry, or swimming in a lackluster dressing. It’s time to put those disappointing salads in the past.

Contents

What You’ll Need: Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Until Al Dente
Step 3: Season the Hot Pasta
Step 4: The Secret to a Creamy Salad (The First Dressing)
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Step 6: The Final Dressing and Serving

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing and Make-Ahead Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?
Q2. Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Q3. Why is there sugar in the dressing?

The Best Creamy Macaroni Salad with Cheddar

Description
Ingredients

For the Creamy Dressing
For the Salad

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

This recipe is here to redefine what you think a homemade macaroni salad can be. It’s unbelievably creamy, packed with a surprising and delicious amount of sharp cheddar cheese, and features a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy dressing. But the real secret is in the method—a clever two-stage dressing technique that ensures the pasta stays incredibly moist and flavourful, never dry. Get ready to make the one dish that everyone will be begging you to bring to every party from now on.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, classic ingredients to create a truly spectacular result. The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream creates an ultra-creamy base for the perfectly balanced dressing.

Component	Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
For the Creamy Dressing	Mayonnaise	2 ¼ cups
	Sour cream	1 ¾ cups
	Dijon mustard	1 tablespoon
	Granulated sugar	½ cup
	Apple cider vinegar	⅓ cup
	Salt	1 teaspoon
For the Salad	Elbow macaroni	1 lb
	Red onion, diced	1
	Celery rib, diced	1
	Freshly ground black pepper	1 tablespoon
	Onion powder	1 ½ teaspoon
	Garlic powder	¼ teaspoon
	Cayenne pepper	⅛ teaspoon
	Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded	8 ounces (2 cups)

Timing

This classic side dish is easy to prepare, but it requires a crucial chilling period to allow all the delicious flavours to meld together perfectly.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours (minimum)
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours, 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps, including the special two-stage dressing method, to create the creamiest, most flavourful macaroni salad ever.

Step 1: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing

Let’s start by creating that luscious dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Set this dressing aside for now—we’ll be dividing it later.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Until Al Dente

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. You want the pasta to have a slight, firm bite to it, as it will continue to soften as it absorbs the dressing. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and place it in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Season the Hot Pasta

While the pasta is still hot, it’s time to build your first layer of flavour. Add the diced red onion, diced celery, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper directly to the hot pasta. Stir everything together to combine. Let this mixture sit for about 2 minutes. The heat from the pasta will bloom the spices and slightly soften the onion and celery, making them more flavourful.

Step 4: The Secret to a Creamy Salad (The First Dressing)

Here comes the secret technique! Pour half of the prepared mayonnaise dressing over the warm, seasoned pasta. Stir gently until all the macaroni is evenly coated. The warm pasta will absorb this first layer of dressing, locking in moisture and flavour. Now, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. If needed, you can season with a little more salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Chill to Perfection

Cover the bowl and place the macaroni salad in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, though longer is even better. This chilling period is essential; it allows the pasta to cool down completely and gives the flavours time to meld and deepen.

Step 6: The Final Dressing and Serving

Just before you are ready to serve, take the macaroni salad out of the refrigerator. It will have absorbed much of the initial dressing. Add the remaining half of the dressing to the chilled salad and stir gently to combine. This final addition makes the salad ultra-creamy and fresh. Serve chilled.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, assuming the recipe makes 12 servings.

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g (Sugar: 10g)
Fat: 27 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g)

Healthier Alternatives

While this is an indulgent classic, here are a few simple swaps to lighten it up:

Lighter Dressing: You can use a light mayonnaise and substitute the sour cream with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add a boost of protein.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the salad. Diced bell peppers, green peas, or shredded carrots would all be delicious and add extra nutrients.
Whole Wheat Pasta: For a boost of fiber, you can use whole wheat elbow macaroni.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy and creamy macaroni salad is the ultimate side dish for any casual get-together, from summer barbecues to holiday potlucks.

The Perfect BBQ Side: This salad is a classic companion to anything hot off the grill. Serve it alongside burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, or smoky BBQ ribs.
Potluck Superstar: This is a fantastic make-ahead dish to bring to a potluck or party. It travels well and is always one of the first bowls to be emptied!
Simple Lunch: Enjoy a scoop on its own for a simple and satisfying lunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Follow these tips to ensure your macaroni salad is perfectly creamy and delicious every time.

Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta is the fastest way to ruin a pasta salad. The macaroni will fall apart and create a pasty texture.
- Solution: Cook the pasta only until it is al dente (firm to the bite). It will continue to soften slightly as it sits in the dressing.
Dressing the Salad All at Once: If you add all the dressing at the beginning, the warm pasta will absorb it all as it cools, potentially leaving you with a dry salad.
- Solution: Follow the two-stage dressing method in the recipe. This technique is the key to ensuring the final salad is perfectly creamy and moist.
Serving it Too Warm: Macaroni salad is a dish that is meant to be served cold. The flavours are best and the texture is creamiest when it has had adequate time to chill.
- Solution: Don’t skip the chilling step! A minimum of 2 hours in the refrigerator is essential for the best results.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

This macaroni salad is an excellent make-ahead dish, and the flavours actually improve as it sits.

Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Make-Ahead: You can make this salad a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe through Step 5 (the first dressing and chilling). Keep the remaining dressing in a separate airtight container in the fridge. Just before serving, give the salad and the remaining dressing a good stir and combine them.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the mayonnaise and sour cream-based dressing will separate and become watery upon thawing.

Conclusion

This is more than just a recipe; it’s the blueprint for the perfect Creamy Macaroni Salad. The clever two-stage dressing technique and the delicious addition of cheddar cheese elevate this dish from a simple side to a true standout star. It’s the creamy, cheesy, and flavour-packed pasta salad that will have everyone at your next gathering asking for the secret.

We are so excited for you to make this the centerpiece of your next summer cookout. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! We love hearing from you. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more crowd-pleasing classics.

FAQs

Q1. Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is actually better when made ahead. For best results, make it up to 24 hours in advance, but keep the second half of the dressing separate. Stir in the final portion of dressing just before serving to make it extra creamy.

Q2. Can I add other ingredients to the salad?

Yes, this recipe is a fantastic base for customization! Many people enjoy adding chopped hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickle relish, diced bell peppers, or even green peas. Feel free to make it your own.

Q3. Why is there sugar in the dressing?

The sugar provides a classic sweet note that balances the tanginess from the apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. It’s a key component in creating that traditional, well-rounded macaroni salad flavour profile. You can adjust the amount to your personal preference.