Creamy, tangy, and packed with chunks of real cheddar, this Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad tastes just like the one from your favorite deli—maybe even better. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, lunch boxes, or make-ahead meals.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
🍝 Pasta
- 3 cups ziti pasta (dry)
(or elbow macaroni)
🥣 Creamy Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances tang)
- ½ tsp celery salt
- ½ tsp celery seed
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
🧅 Fresh Veggies
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
(optional but adds color & crunch)
🧀 Cheese
- 1½–2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
🌿 Optional Add-Ins
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
- 1–2 tbsp pickle relish (deli-style twist)
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Boil ziti in well-salted water until just al dente
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking
- Let cool completely
2️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Vinegar or lemon juice
- Sugar (if using)
- Celery salt, celery seed
- Garlic powder, onion powder
- Salt & pepper
Taste and adjust seasoning.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
- Add cooled pasta to the dressing
- Fold in celery, red onion, bell pepper
- Gently mix in cheddar cubes
4️⃣ Chill
- Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (best at 3–4 hours)
- Stir once before serving
🍽️ Serve
- Serve chilled as a side dish or light main
- Perfect with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches
🔥 Pro Tips (Deli Secrets)
- Use extra-sharp cheddar for bold flavor
- Cut cheese into small chunks, not shreds
- Don’t overcook pasta—firm pasta holds dressing better
- Add 1–2 tbsp milk if salad thickens too much after chilling
🥗 Nutrition Information (Approx. per Serving)
(Based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 320–360 kcal
- Protein: 9–12 g
- Carbohydrates: 30–35 g
- Fat: 20–24 g
- Calcium: Good source
Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes better after chilling. Make up to 24 hours ahead.
Q: Can I replace sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt, but flavor will be slightly tangier.
Q: What other cheeses work?
Colby-Jack, mild cheddar, or smoked cheddar work great.
Q: How long does it keep?
Stored airtight in the fridge, it stays fresh for 3 days.
Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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