Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep or parties because the flavors get even better after chilling. For the best texture, make it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If it thickens too much before serving, just stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk to loosen it up.

How long does creamy macaroni salad last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this healthy macaroni salad will stay fresh for 3–4 days. Be sure to keep it chilled until ready to serve. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially at picnics or BBQs.

Healthy Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe | Guilt-Free Side Dish

Description

Craving a creamy macaroni salad that’s light, flavorful, and perfect for summer cookouts or family gatherings? This Healthy Creamy Macaroni Salad is my go-to recipe when I want all the comfort of Grandma’s recipe but with a modern, healthy twist!

Ingredients

Units Scale

8 ounces of Macaroni ( Use your favorite - we used Cavatappi Noodles )
3/4 Plain Non Fat Greek Yogurt
1/4 cup of Light Mayonnaise
2 Teaspoons of Dijon Mustard
1 Tablespoon of White Vinegar
1 Teaspoon of Honey
1/2 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
1/2 Teaspoon of Onion Powder
1/2 Teaspoon of Sea Salt
1/2 Teaspoon of Black Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon of Celery Seed
1/2 cup of Diced Red Bell Pepper or Green Bell Pepper
1/4 cup of Red Onion finely diced
1/4 cup of Diced Dill Pickles ( Optional )
Fresh Parsley and Chives for Garnish

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Instructions

Cook pasta, Boil macaroni according to package directions until just tender. Drain, rinse under cold water and let cool completely.
Make dressing ; in a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayo, Dijon mustard, vinegar, honey, celery seed, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Add cooled macaroni noodles , diced red peppers, red onion and diced pickles. Toss gently until pasta is fully coated. Top with chopped scallions.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving ( this lets flavors meld and texture thicken) Sprinkle with chopped scallions or fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy!!

Notes

Cook Pasta Al Dente
Slightly undercook your pasta so it holds up well once mixed with the dressing. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy as they absorb moisture.
Rinse in Cold Water
After boiling, rinse the pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch—this helps keep the salad light and prevents clumping.
Use Greek Yogurt for Creaminess
Plain Greek yogurt for a creamy yet tangy dressing that’s high in protein and lower in fat.
Balance with Light Mayo
Mixing Greek yogurt with a small amount of light mayo gives you the perfect creamy texture with fewer calories than traditional recipes.
Add a Touch of Honey
A small drizzle of honey enhances the flavor balance of the dressing, giving it a hint of sweetness and brightness.
Chop Ingredients Evenly
Keep your veggies (like red onion and peppers) finely chopped so every bite has a bit of crunch and color.
Chill Before Serving
Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly.
Customize Your Add-Ins
Try adding diced chicken, tuna, or chopped boiled eggs for extra protein, or use whole-grain pasta for added fiber.
Storage Tip
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk before serving to refresh the texture.
Avoid Freezing
Pasta salads don’t freeze well as the dressing can separate and become watery once thawed, so enjoy it fresh or chilled within a few days.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Amercan

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 170
Sugar: 3.6 g
Sodium: 277.6 mg
Fat: 4.3 g
Carbohydrates: 25.6 g
Protein: 6.6 g
Cholesterol: 6.1 mg