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Healthy Classic Macaroni Pasta Salad

Healthy Classic Macaroni Pasta Salad Recipe – 25 Minutes!

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A healthy twist on the classic macaroni pasta salad with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni noodles
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • ½ cup diced dill pickles
  • ⅓ cup diced red onion
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons dill pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until slightly past al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle juice, vinegar, sugar, mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Add the macaroni, red pepper, celery, pickles, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Stir to combine.
  4. Season to taste and chill before serving.

Notes

  • For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
  • To prevent noodles from absorbing too much dressing, cool them completely before mixing.
  • Do not rinse pasta with cold water—it helps the dressing cling better.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg