Who says healthy food can’t be a total party for your taste buds? I’m here to show you that it absolutely can be. This Creamy Macaroni Cold Pasta Salad is a vibrant, feel-good dish that proves nutritious food is anything but boring. If you love creamy, comforting pasta dishes, you might also enjoy this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Florentine Pasta for a warm, hearty meal.
It’s the perfect blend of creamy comfort and fresh crunch. I think of it as a hug in a bowl that also gives you a real energy boost. It’s a staple at my summer picnics and a side dish I’m always proud to bring to a barbecue.
Let’s make a version that’s as good for you as it is delicious. We’ll pack it with colorful veggies and use a few smart tricks to keep it light. Get ready for a salad that everyone will ask you about!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Servings: 6
Why This Dish is Secretly Good for You
This isn’t just empty calories. Every ingredient brings something special to the table. It’s a simple way to get more goodness into your day without even trying.
The whole wheat pasta gives you lasting energy from complex carbs and fiber. Bell peppers and red onion are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. They help protect your cells.
Peas add plant-based protein and more fiber. Using Greek yogurt in the dressing boosts the protein even more. It also adds probiotics for a happy gut.
Fresh herbs like dill aren’t just for flavor. They have anti-inflammatory properties. This salad truly nourishes you from the inside out.
My Favorite “Healthy Swap” Ingredients
I love finding easy ways to make classic recipes better for us. These swaps add nutrition without taking away the creamy texture we all love. For another dish that uses a similar principle of combining creamy sauces with healthy ingredients, check out this Creamy Spinach and Chicken Slow Cooker Pasta.
First, I use half mayonnaise and half plain Greek yogurt for the dressing. The yogurt makes it extra creamy and tangy. It also doubles the protein and cuts down on fat.
Creamy Macaroni Cold Pasta Salad Recipe
The Full “Feel-Good” Ingredient List
My Clean & Simple Cooking Method
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Macaroni Cold Pasta Salad Recipe!
Nutrition Information
I always choose whole wheat or legume-based elbow macaroni. It has more fiber and nutrients than regular white pasta. The nutty flavor is wonderful here.
For a touch of sweetness, I skip refined sugar. A tiny bit of pure maple syrup or a squeeze of honey balances the vinegar perfectly. It’s a natural choice.
The Full “Feel-Good” Ingredient List
Gathering these simple, real-food ingredients is the first step. You’ll see how colorful and inviting they are all on your counter.
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup good-quality mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
My Clean & Simple Cooking Method
This recipe comes together so easily. The most important step is letting it chill so all the flavors can become friends.
- Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, make the creamy dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse it briefly under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down quickly. Let it drain very well.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss it gently until every piece is evenly coated.
- Now, fold in all your fresh ingredients. Add the diced bell pepper, thawed peas, red onion, dill, and chives. Mix everything until it’s beautifully combined.
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This chill time is the secret step that makes it amazing.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Taste it and add a little more salt or pepper if you like. Then, dig in and enjoy!
How to Meal Prep This for the Week
This salad is a meal-prep superstar. It holds up beautifully in the fridge, making healthy lunches a breeze all week long.
I often make a big batch on Sunday. I store it in a single airtight container. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
If you want to prep the parts separately, you can. Cook the pasta and make the dressing. Keep them in their own containers in the fridge.
Chop all your vegetables and store them together. The morning you want it, just mix everything together. It will be ready by lunchtime.
You can also add extra protein to make it a complete meal. Try adding a can of drained chickpeas, some flaked tuna, or chopped hard-boiled eggs.
Nutrition Notes
This is a general breakdown per serving. Remember, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that fuel your body.
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Total Fat: 12g
- Vitamin C: 60% of Daily Value
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this pasta salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, simply replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Use a plain, unsweetened variety. You can also use all mayonnaise, but the dressing will be richer.
My salad seems dry after chilling. What can I do?
Pasta loves to soak up dressing. If it seems dry, don’t worry. Just stir in a tablespoon or two of milk, water, or more yogurt. This will loosen it right up and make it creamy again.
What other vegetables can I add?
Get creative! This recipe is very flexible. Try adding shredded carrots, chopped celery, or sweet corn. Blanched broccoli florets or chopped cucumber are also fantastic additions for more crunch.
I hope this recipe becomes your new go-to for easy, healthy eating. It’s proof that taking care of yourself can be incredibly tasty and satisfying. For a different but equally comforting pasta experience, this Slow Cooker Creamy Spinach Chicken Pasta is another fantastic option to try.
This creamy macaroni salad brings joy to any table. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying quietly by yourself. The vibrant colors alone make me smile.
Give it a try and see how good real food can make you feel. I can’t wait for you to taste it. Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know how yours turned out!
