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Creamy Macaroni Salad with Tangy Dill Pickles

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A creamy, crunchy macaroni salad featuring tangy dill pickles and a smooth cottage cheese dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup plain cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • ¾ cup dill pickles, diced
  • ½ cup celery, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine ½ cup plain cottage cheese, ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Finely dice ¾ cup dill pickles, ½ cup celery, and 2 tablespoons red onion. Chop 2 tablespoons fresh dill.
  4. Add the chopped veggies and dill into the large bowl with the cooled macaroni. Pour the blended dressing over the top. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  5. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh dill or extra pickle slices. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking and remove excess starch. Blend cottage cheese for a smooth dressing. Chill salad for at least 1 hour for best flavor. Adjust seasoning after chilling. Add a splash of milk or more mayo if salad seems dry after chilling. Avoid freezing the salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy salad, dill pickles, summer side dish, potluck recipe, picnic salad, easy pasta salad

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