Crispy Macaroni Coleslaw Recipe: A Fresh Twist on Classic Crunch
Summer gatherings spark joy with this tangy macaroni coleslaw that blends creamy textures and zesty flavors.
Crisp cabbage and tender pasta create a delightful dance of ingredients in every bite.
You’ll savor the perfect balance of crunch and smoothness.
The coleslaw brings a refreshing twist to classic picnic fare.
Colorful and vibrant, this dish adds excitement to any meal.
Packed with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, it promises to become a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Serve this delectable side and watch everyone come back for seconds.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 210 kcal
Servings: 9
Fun Ingredients For Macaroni Coleslaw
For Base Ingredients:For Fresh Crunch Ingredients:For Creamy Dressing Ingredients:Tools To Prep Macaroni Coleslaw Quick
Steps To Make Macaroni Coleslaw Easy
Toss macaroni into a bubbling pot of salty water and cook until perfectly tender. Drain the noodles and splash with cold water to cool them down quickly.
In a mixing bowl, blend together creamy mayo, tangy sour cream, sweet sugar, zesty vinegar, sharp mustard, and a dash of seasoning until smooth and velvety.
Grab a spacious bowl and toss in the cooled pasta, crisp coleslaw blend, snappy green onions, crunchy celery, and vibrant bell peppers for a colorful medley.
Pour the luscious sauce over the salad and gently toss until every morsel is generously covered in creamy goodness.
Pop the bowl in the refrigerator and let the flavors mingle and dance for at least an hour. Serve cold and watch everyone’s taste buds celebrate!
Tips To Balance Flavor In Macaroni Coleslaw
Serve Macaroni Coleslaw Chilled And Creamy
Store Macaroni Coleslaw Cold And Crisp
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Tangy Macaroni Coleslaw Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 1x
Description
Creamy homemade macaroni coleslaw brings classic Southern comfort to summer picnics and potlucks. Crisp vegetables and tangy dressing create a refreshing side dish perfect for gatherings you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz/397 g) bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage & carrots)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsps sugar
- 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Immerse macaroni in heavily salted, rapidly boiling water until achieving perfect al dente consistency. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to cease cooking and prevent adhesion.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, mustard, and seasonings into a harmonious, silky emulsion that promises rich, tangy undertones.
- Combine Components: In a generous mixing bowl, unite cooled pasta with coleslaw mix, green onions, celery, and red bell pepper, creating a vibrant and textural foundation.
- Dress and Marinate: Generously coat the salad mixture with prepared dressing, gently folding to ensure comprehensive flavor integration. Seal and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop complex taste profiles.
- Serve: Stir the chilled salad once more to revive its glossy appearance and redistribute the dressing, presenting a refreshed and appetizing side dish ready for enjoyment.
Notes
- Prevent Pasta Clumping: Rinse macaroni immediately with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticky, mushy pasta.
- Balance Dressing Consistency: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, even texture that coats ingredients perfectly without becoming too runny or thick.
- Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least an hour to allow ingredients to marry and develop a more complex, robust taste profile.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use vegan mayo for a plant-based alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
John Nicholson
Lead Writer & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling
Education
Johnson & Wales University
John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.
His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.
Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen