Chicken Macaroni Salad is a delightful and hearty dish that combines tender chunks of chicken with perfectly cooked pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. This versatile salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing main course on a warm day. The blend of flavors and textures—from the juicy chicken and al dente macaroni to the crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing—creates a satisfying meal that is both delicious and easy to prepare. Whether served as a side dish or a standalone meal, Chicken Macaroni Salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled macaroni, diced chicken, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, peas, and shredded carrots.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Chicken Macaroni Salad!
