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

• Macaroni: Hearty pasta that provides a satisfying texture and absorbs dressing beautifully, choose a high-quality short pasta shape for best results.
• Coleslaw Mix: Pre-shredded cabbage blend that adds crunch and nutrition, look for fresh, crisp mix without wilted edges.

• Green Onions: Adds sharp, mild onion flavor and bright color, select bright green stalks with firm white bottoms.
• Celery: Introduces delightful crisp texture and subtle earthy notes, choose stalks that are firm and vibrant green.
• Red Bell Pepper: Brings sweet, colorful pop and extra vitamin boost, pick peppers with smooth, glossy skin and no soft spots.

• Mayonnaise: Creates rich, smooth base for dressing, opt for full-fat version for most luxurious texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy depth and silky consistency, select thick, fresh dairy cream.
• Sugar: Balances acidity and enhances overall flavor profile, use granulated white sugar for smooth integration.
• Vinegar: Provides bright, tangy accent to cut through richness, white or apple cider vinegar work wonderfully.
• Mustard: Introduces subtle heat and complexity, Dijon variety offers most robust flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and harmonizes all other flavors, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle heat, freshly ground provides most vibrant taste.

Tools To Prep Macaroni Coleslaw Quick

• Large pot: For boiling pasta perfectly.
• Colander: To drain and rinse macaroni quickly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Combines all salad components evenly.
• Cutting board: Chops green onions and celery neatly.
• Sharp knife: Dices vegetables with precision.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Steps To Make Macaroni Coleslaw Easy

• Boil Pasta

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.

• Whip Up Creamy Sauce

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.

• Mix Crunchy Components

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.

• Dress and Coat

Pour the luscious sauce over the salad and gently toss until every morsel is generously covered in creamy goodness.

• Chill and Delight

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

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and crunch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dressing and chop vegetables separately the night before, combining everything just before serving to maintain crisp textures.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use vegan mayo for a plant-based alternative that doesn't compromise on creamy goodness.
• Protein Power Boost: Enhance the salad by adding diced grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and substance.
• Texture Twist: For added crunch, sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds just before serving to give the coleslaw an unexpected nutty dimension.

Serve Macaroni Coleslaw Chilled And Creamy

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pair this creamy macaroni coleslaw with grilled meats like juicy hamburgers or barbecue chicken for a classic summer combo.
• Sandwich Sidekick: Serve alongside deli sandwiches, pulled pork, or crispy fried chicken to add a cool, tangy crunch that complements rich main dishes.
• Potluck Powerhouse: Bring this crowd-pleasing salad to summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or family reunions where its versatile flavor will be a hit with guests of all ages.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the coleslaw a day in advance to let flavors meld and develop, making meal planning and party prep a breeze.

Store Macaroni Coleslaw Cold And Crisp

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the macaroni coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the texture crisp and flavors vibrant.
• Freshness Tip: Keep the dressing slightly separate from vegetables until serving to prevent soggy ingredients, maintaining the salad's delightful crunch.
• Portion Planning: Prepare individual servings in sealed containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or picnic meals throughout the week.
• Temperature Care: Always keep the coleslaw chilled below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety, especially when serving at outdoor events or potlucks.

Tangy Macaroni Coleslaw Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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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.

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Ingredients

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• 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

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. Prepare Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, mustard, and seasonings into a harmonious, silky emulsion that promises rich, tangy undertones.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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