Ultimate Cheesy Macaroni Salad with a Zesty Twist

Ingredients

- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp diced jalapeños
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon crumbles
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup sliced olives

Instructions

1. Cook the Elbow Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. Add 8 oz of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, following package directions (approximately 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp cider vinegar, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp diced jalapeños, 1 tsp hot sauce, and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

3. Mix the Salad Ingredients
Add the drained macaroni to the dressing. Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 1/2 cup diced celery, 1/2 cup diced bell pepper, 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas, 1 cup cooked diced chicken, 1/2 cup diced ham, 1/4 cup crispy bacon crumbles, 1/4 cup chopped pickles, 1/2 cup diced cucumbers, and 1/4 cup sliced olives.

4. Combine and Chill
Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure the macaroni is coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

5. Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, give the salad a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce, if desired. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a sprig of dill or extra cheese if preferred.

Total Time

- PT1H30M
- 1 hour and 30 minutes

Type of Dish

- Lunch

Keywords

- Macaroni Salad
- Cheddar Cheese
- Picnic Dish
- Creamy Pasta
- Zesty Lunch
- Summer Recipes
- Easy Salad
- Flavorful Macaroni
- Classic Side Dish
- BBQ Side

Recipe Yield

- Feeds 4 adults

Calories

- 3,200 calories for the entire dish

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