Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad (Print)
Ziti pasta tossed with cheddar, crisp veggies, and creamy sour cream-mayo dressing for a deli-style favorite.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
450 g ziti pasta
→ Dairy
02 -
340 g cheddar cheese, diced finely
03 -
360 ml mayonnaise
04 -
60 ml sour cream
→ Vegetables
05 -
1 red bell pepper, very finely diced
06 -
1 medium red onion, very finely diced
07 -
1 large carrot, grated and minced
08 -
2 stems celery, very finely diced
09 -
2 tablespoons diced pimientos with liquid
10 -
1 bunch fresh parsley, minced (optional)
→ Seasonings
11 -
2 teaspoons celery salt, or to taste
12 -
2 teaspoons celery seed, or to taste
13 -
2 teaspoons white sugar
# Steps:
01 -
Boil ziti pasta in a large pot of salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
02 -
Very finely dice red bell pepper, red onion, and celery. Add them to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with celery salt and celery seed and toss to combine. Stir in the diced pimientos along with their liquid.
03 -
Grate the carrot, then chop the grated pieces finely for even texture. Add to the bowl with other vegetables.
04 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and white sugar until smooth. Add a pinch of celery salt and celery seed if desired for extra seasoning.
05 -
Finely mince fresh parsley, if using, and mix into the vegetables. Toss well to coat and let stand for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
06 -
Toss the vegetable mixture with the prepared dressing. Add the cooled pasta and gently fold to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
07 -
Cut cheddar cheese into very small cubes. Gently fold diced cheddar into the salad for even distribution.
08 -
Cover the salad and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight, for optimal flavor and texture. Serve chilled.
# Notes:
01 -
For best results, use freshly shredded carrot and freshly minced veggies to ensure the salad remains crisp and vibrant.
02 -
Allowing the salad to rest in the refrigerator enhances flavor development and improves texture.