Description
Classic Creamy Italian Macaroni Salad is a delicious and refreshing pasta salad featuring elbow macaroni coated in a tangy Italian dressing and creamy mayonnaise blend. Tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and optional turkey slices, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a side dish to your favorite meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Vegetables & Extras
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped turkey slices (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Italian dressing, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Dressing: Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in the diced cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes, mixing gently but completely to distribute the vegetables throughout the salad.
- Add Optional Turkey: If desired, incorporate chopped turkey slices into the salad for added protein and flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and ensure the salad stays firm.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey slices.
- This salad tastes best after chilling for several hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Add black olives and fresh parsley just before serving for the freshest taste.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
