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Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad

  • Author: Ava Garrison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-bake / Chilled
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Looking for a creamy, flavorful, and show-stopping side dish that’s perfect for any occasion? This Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad is the retro-inspired comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Packed with crunchy celery, red onion, and tender macaroni in a tangy, creamy dressing, it’s ideal for summer cookouts, quick lunches, or a colorful addition to dinner ideas. Whether you’re meal-prepping or need a last-minute easy recipe for a potluck, this pasta salad delivers big on taste, looks, and convenience. It checks all the boxes for a quick breakfast side, healthy snack, or dinner idea that’s both easy and satisfying.


Ingredients

3 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup finely diced red onion

1 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

1/4 cup chopped sweet pickles or relish (optional)

Dash of paprika (optional)


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to cool completely.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.

3. Finely chop the red onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Chop sweet pickles or relish if using.

4. Once pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Add the chopped vegetables and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Before serving, stir gently and garnish with paprika if desired.


Notes

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.

Allowing the salad to chill for an hour deepens the flavor and improves texture.

Stir in a splash of milk or pasta water if the dressing thickens too much after refrigeration.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy pasta, easy salad, summer side, dinner ideas