Why You’ll Love Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe

This macaroni salad stands out for its rich, creamy texture and balanced flavor. The sharp cheddar adds a bold, savory bite, while the sour cream gives the dressing a pleasant tang. Finely diced vegetables provide crunch and color in every forkful.

It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or picnic favorites. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time, which makes entertaining stress-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ziti pasta
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1 medium red onion, finely diced
1 large carrot, grated and chopped finely
2 celery stalks, finely diced
1 bunch fresh parsley, minced (optional)
2 teaspoons celery salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons celery seed, or to taste
2 tablespoons diced pimientos with a little liquid
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, cut into very small cubes
2 teaspoons white sugar

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Drain well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely diced red onion, bell pepper, celery, grated carrot, and pimientos.
Sprinkle the celery salt and celery seed over the vegetables and toss to evenly distribute the seasoning. Let the mixture sit for about 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Fold in the small cubes of cheddar cheese and minced parsley, if using.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving. Stir gently before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 to 10 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours (recommended)
Total time: About 4 hours 30 minutes

This recipe is ideal for preparing the day before an event, as the flavors deepen and improve with time in the refrigerator.

Variations

For a different flavor profile, try using extra-sharp cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.

You can substitute elbow macaroni or small shells for the ziti if preferred.

Add-ins like diced ham, crispy bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken can turn this side dish into a hearty main course.

For extra crunch, mix in finely chopped pickles or sweet relish.

If you prefer a lighter dressing, replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

A touch of Dijon mustard can add subtle depth and tang to the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing, as it may settle while chilling.

If the salad seems slightly dry after refrigeration, mix in a small spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream to refresh the texture.

This dish is meant to be served cold, so reheating is not recommended.

FAQs

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually better when made several hours or a day in advance. Chilling allows the flavors to fully develop.

Why should the vegetables be diced so finely?

Finely diced vegetables ensure balanced flavor in every bite and prevent large chunks from overpowering the pasta.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly cubed cheddar provides better texture and flavor in the salad.

What type of cheddar works best?

Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar gives the most flavor contrast against the creamy dressing.

How do I keep the salad from drying out?

Make sure the pasta is well coated in dressing before chilling. If needed, stir in a small amount of mayonnaise before serving.

Can I freeze macaroni salad?

Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery when thawed.

Is it necessary to rinse the pasta?

Rinsing cools the pasta quickly and stops the cooking process, which helps maintain the right texture for pasta salad.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, the sugar simply balances the tang of the sour cream. You can adjust it to suit your taste.

What dishes pair well with this salad?

It pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, barbecue ribs, sandwiches, and picnic-style meals.

How long can it sit out at a gathering?

Because it contains mayonnaise and sour cream, it should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad is a creamy, flavorful classic that belongs at every gathering. With its sharp cheddar, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing, it delivers comfort and freshness in every bite. Easy to prepare and even better when made ahead, this pasta salad is sure to become a reliable favorite for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad

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A creamy and flavorful cheddar sour cream macaroni salad loaded with tender pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy sour cream dressing—perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl along with shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, diced celery, and chopped parsley.
Gently fold everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 2 hours before serving.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the sour cream for a lighter option.
Add crispy cooked bacon or diced pickles for extra flavor variation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 45mg