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Healthy Macaroni Salad Recipe

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3.9 from 47 reviews

This Healthy Macaroni Salad is a refreshing and nutritious twist on the classic picnic favorite. Featuring a colorful mix of finely diced bell peppers, celery, onions, and hard boiled eggs, all tossed in a creamy homemade dressing made from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for gatherings or as a light meal, it’s both satisfying and wholesome.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 16 oz. box elbow macaroni

Vegetables & Eggs

  • 1 cup bell peppers, finely diced (any color, preferably a trio)
  • 1 cup celery, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 Tbsp. green onions, plus more for garnish
  • 3 Tbsp. hard boiled eggs, roughly chopped

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or nonfat yogurt
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. fresh or dried parsley
  • 1 tsp. fresh or dried dill
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked noodles in a colander and transfer them to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, parsley, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Combine salad ingredients: Add the roughly chopped hard boiled eggs, finely diced bell peppers, celery, yellow onion, and green onions to the bowl with the macaroni. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  4. Add the dressing and mix: Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni mixture, folding everything together carefully until the salad is well coated. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  5. Garnish and chill: Sprinkle a few dashes of paprika over the top for color and a subtle smoky flavor. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and serve chilled.

Notes

  • For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of all mayonnaise to reduce fat and add protein.
  • Feel free to customize the vegetables with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or olives if desired.
  • Hard boiled eggs add extra creaminess and protein to keep the salad satisfying.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/healthy-macaroni-salad-recipe/