Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crisp vegetables, this Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. Sharp cheddar cheese, tender pasta, and a tangy sour cream dressing make this salad a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 ounces (340 g) elbow macaroni or rigatoni, cooked and cooled
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional, omit for a sugar-free version)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Drain well and allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried parsley
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Sugar or honey (if using)
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Add to the dressing:
- Cooled pasta
- Cheddar cheese
- Celery
- Red bell pepper
- Red onion
- Carrots
- Fresh parsley
Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Stir well before serving.
Tips for Success
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming soft.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
- Make the salad a few hours ahead for even better taste.
- If the salad thickens after chilling, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk or a little extra sour cream.
Delicious Variations
Bacon Cheddar
Add:
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Ranch Style
Mix 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning into the dressing.
Southwest
Add:
- Black beans
- Corn
- Jalapeños
- Pepper Jack cheese
Protein-Packed
Stir in:
- Diced grilled chicken
- Ham
- Turkey
- Tuna
Healthier Version
- Replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
Storage
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
- Not recommended, as the dressing may separate and the pasta texture will change.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 395
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the ingredients used.
Nut Information
This recipe is naturally peanut-free and tree nut-free.
Contains
- Milk (cheddar cheese, sour cream)
- Eggs (mayonnaise)
- Wheat/Gluten (traditional pasta)
Does Not Normally Contain
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Sesame
- Soy (unless present in mayonnaise or pasta brands)
Allergy Tips
- For a gluten-free version, substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Choose certified allergen-friendly mayonnaise and cheese if preparing for someone with severe food allergies.
- Always check labels on packaged ingredients for possible cross-contact.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I make this salad a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight, as the flavors have more time to blend.
Q: Which pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but small shells, rotini, cavatappi, or rigatoni also work well because they hold the creamy dressing.
Q: Can I use mild cheddar instead of sharp cheddar?
Yes, but sharp cheddar provides a richer, more pronounced cheese flavor.
Q: How do I keep the salad creamy?
Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. Before serving, stir in a splash of milk, a spoonful of sour cream, or a little mayonnaise to refresh the texture.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Chopped cucumbers, peas, broccoli florets, green onions, cherry tomatoes, or diced pickles are all excellent additions.
Q: What dishes pair well with this macaroni salad?
It’s delicious with grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, pulled pork, hot dogs, ribs, fried chicken, grilled steaks, or sandwiches.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the sour cream for a lighter, higher-protein dressing with a tangy flavor.
Enjoy this Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad as a rich, creamy, and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts, holiday gatherings, or easy weekday meals!
