Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe

Posted on October 15, 2025

Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad garnished with fresh herbs

High-calorie fast food meal consisting of burger, fries, soda, and a sad face emoticon.

The Best Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe

Ah, pasta salad. That glorious dish that often graces picnic tables and family gatherings, and let’s be honest, is often the highlight. I stumbled upon this Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe during one of those chaotic summer potluck planning sessions, where the pressure to impress condensed into a series of frantic Google searches. If you have ever found yourself in the frenzy of wanting to whip up easy weeknight dinners that somehow also feel like a cozy, familial hug, you’re in the right place!

I remember my first attempt at this recipe. I was trying to channel some impressive cooking skills for a friend’s barbeque. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go perfectly! I miscalculated the pasta cooking time, resulting in a bowl of mushy ziti pasta, something I’d like to forget. But as fate would have it, I persevered, and after many failed attempts, I finally mastered this recipe.

Picture this: it’s a warm evening, sun setting, and the scent of freshly grated cheddar wafts through the kitchen. It’s comforting, familiar, and just like that, the world outside fades away. In all its creamy glory, this macaroni salad embodies wholesome goodness. It’s not just a bunch of random ingredients tossed together; it’s a beautiful blend of flavors that remind me of gatherings with family and friends, laughter echoing across the yard, and the joy of shared experiences.

I love this dish because it stands out among a sea of boring salads. The creamy dressing, the crunch from fresh veggies, and the rich taste of cheddar cheese give it a unique twist. When you take a bite, it’s like summer on a spoon—crunchy, tangy, and just the right amount of creaminess. This recipe doesn’t need any additional pizzazz to shine; it’s perfect just as it is!

Let’s dive into all the reasons why you’re going to love making this salad for your next gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Any Occasion: This salad is great for family picnics, potlucks, or even just as a side dish for your quick family meals. It fits right in with whatever you throw at it, proving itself to be the ultimate versatile dish.
Picky Eater Approved: We all have that one family member who turns their nose up at “green things.” Fear not! The cheddar and creamy dressing create a mouthwatering morsel in every bite, coaxing even the pickiest eaters into happiness.
Make Ahead Convenience: If you want to impress without the last-minute chaos, you can prepare this salad in advance. The flavors develop even further when given time to mingle in the fridge!
Comfort in a Bowl: Seriously, it tastes like a cozy hug after a long day. Every scoop sends you on a nostalgic trip back to simpler times, where the only stress in your life was deciding what to wear to school.
Leftover Friendly: Trust me, this salad leaves you with a satisfying amount of leftovers. It’s ideal for those busy weekdays when you need healthy comfort food without any fuss.
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients that are easy to find, this recipe won’t break the bank. You’ll enjoy delicious food while keeping an eye on your budget—who doesn’t love that?

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Let’s talk about those flavors for a moment. The combination of cheddar cheese and sour cream offers a creamy richness that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. The crunch from fresh veggies adds texture and vibrant colors, while hints of sweetness from the sugar enhance the overall flavor. It’s simple, yet the unique balance of tastes keeps you coming back for more.

This recipe has become a part of my family tradition. I recall countless summer afternoons spent in the park, bowls of this macaroni salad being passed around like a trophy. The laughter, those stolen bites during hectic moments, and the satisfied sighs that follow each mouthful… those are the moments that make cooking feel meaningful.

Ingredients

1 lb. box of Ziti Pasta – The pasta serves as the base and has the perfect shape for holding onto all that delicious dressing.
1.5 cups of Mayonnaise – This provides that rich, creamy texture that makes the salad so delightful.
1/4 cup of Sour Cream – Feel free to swap in Mexican Crema if you want a smoother, silkier finish!
1 Red Bell Pepper – Sweet and crunchy, it adds a pop of color and flavor.
1 medium-sized Red Onion – Finely diced for tanginess that balances well with the creaminess.
1 bunch of fresh Parsley (optional) – This is purely for flavor and lightness, but I find it adds a beautiful brightness to the dish!
1 large Carrot – Grated to enhance the texture with a bit of sweetness.
2 stems of Celery – Crunchy and fresh, they give the salad a delightful bite.
2 teaspoons of Celery Salt (or to taste) – This brings a savory note that complements the other ingredients.
2 teaspoons of Celery Seed (or to taste) – For enhancing that lovely celery flavor.
2 tablespoons of diced Pimientos with the liquid – A small addition that adds color and a hint of sweetness.
1 lb. block of your favorite Cheddar Cheese – Choice of cheese is key! I like a sharp cheddar that brings some real flavor.
2 teaspoons of White Sugar – Balance is everything, and this little addition brings the flavors together nicely.

Personal Tips:

When choosing your cheddar, go for a block instead of pre-shredded cheese; the texture will be much better in the finished salad. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents which can lead to a clumpier salad.
Consider adding a bit more of the pimientos if you’re a fan of a slightly tangy flavor.
Don’t skimp on rinsing the pasta; it’s essential for stopping the cooking process.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Alright, friends, let’s get cooking! I promise this is going to be one of the most rewarding, kitchen-friendly experiences you’ll have. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into those steps!

Cook the Pasta: Fill a pot with water, add a generous sprinkle of salt (like the sea!), and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in the entire box of ziti pasta, cooking it according to the package directions. Aim for al dente! After about 8-10 minutes (but check your package), taste a piece. It should have a little bite to it; you don’t want it mushy. Once you’ve got it perfect, drain it and rinse it well with cold water. Seriously, do this! This step is critical because no one wants a soggy salad.
Prepare the Vegetables: While your pasta is cooling, grab your knife and cutting board. Here’s the part where personal touch comes in; for the red onion, red bell pepper, and celery, you want them finely diced. Err on the side of small so they accent rather than overwhelm the pasta—nobody wants a rogue celery stick stealing the show.
Season the Veggies: Toss the diced vegetables into a large bowl. Sprinkle in the celery salt and celery seed. Give it a gentle toss so everything gets coated evenly.
Add the Pimientos: Next up, the pimientos! You can be as generous as you’d like here. Add a couple of tablespoons with the liquid—trust me, it adds character!
Grate the Carrot: Grate that beautiful carrot and chop it up a bit more if necessary so it’s not too stringy. Toss it into the mix of veggies.
Make the Dressing: Now, let’s whip up that dressing! In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and white sugar. Whisk until it’s beautifully smooth. If you like, you can add a pinch more salt or even some extra celery seed if you want more flavor!
Combine: Add your diced veggies into the dressing. Toss it all around like you’re a salad contestant on a cooking show! Let this sit for about 15 minutes—some amazing flavor magic is about to happen here.
Add the Pasta: Once those 15 minutes are done, it’s time to add in the ziti pasta. Toss it carefully until everything is wonderfully coated in that creamy dressing.
Cheddar Time: Dice up the cheddar cheese into tiny pieces. You want it to blend into the salad, not overpower it. Gently fold it in, making sure it’s distributed evenly.
Chill: You can technically serve it immediately (and you’ll want to, trust me), but letting it chill in the refrigerator does wonders. Cover it and let it sit for at least 4 to 6 hours—or even better, overnight. The flavors deepen, and magic happens.

Pasta salad in the fridge is like a fine wine: it gets better with time.

Tips for Best Results

Don’t Skip Rinsing: Overcooked pasta will ruin your salad. Rinse well to cool it and stop the cooking process.
Taste as You Go: Everyone’s taste buds are different. Adjust the celery salt, cheese type, or even dressing ingredients as you see fit!
Dress to Impress: If you want a slightly tangier salad, add lemon juice or a bit of pickle juice to the dressing. Just little tweaks can make big differences!
Feel Free to Improvise: Have some leftover grilled chicken or other veggies? Toss them in! This salad is like a blank canvas waiting for your creative touch.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Vegetarian Twist: Swap out cheddar for a dairy-free cheese to make this dish vegan. There are some tasty alternatives available these days!
Protein Boost: Cut up some rotisserie chicken and mix it in for a high protein meal. You could also add bacon bits if you’re feeling adventurous—though we’re steering clear of any haram ingredients here!
Seasonal Additions: If it’s summertime, consider adding corn for sweetness or cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst!
Low-Calorie Version: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and reduce the mayo. You’ll be on your way to a lighter version of this comfort food classic.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, think connective moments. Pair this salad with grilled chicken, burgers, or even a light summer quiche to create a meal that feels both satisfying and complete. I love enjoying a bowl of this macaroni salad while nestled on the couch, curled up with a lighthearted rom-com—it’s pure bliss!

If you want to get fancy, consider serving this alongside some sparkling lemonade or iced tea for that perfect summer vibe. Honestly, can you think of anything better than a plate stacked high with beautifully grilled meats complemented by this refreshing salad? I can’t.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing your leftovers is as easy as it gets. You’ll want to put them into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll last about three to four days—although I’ve never had a chance to test that because they vanish pretty quickly, haha!

However, if you find yourself with some leftover salad that’s been sitting around for too long, it’s best to assess the freshness. If you notice any funky smells or textures, just toss it!

Reheating is not usually necessary, but if you truly want to warm your macaroni salad, use a microwave on a low setting for just a few seconds. Just be cautious; you don’t want it turning into a weird glob of mush.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

This salad thrives on being prepped ahead! If you need this recipe for something upcoming, you can whip it up any time within that 4 to 6-hour window.

For freezing, I wouldn’t recommend it directly as the creamy elements may separate when thawed. Instead, prep all the ingredients except for the dressing in advance, and then throw everything together the night before you plan to serve. Trust me, it’ll taste fresher that way!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Pasta: Always aim for al dente! It softens further when mixed into the dressing.
Skipping the Rinse: If you don’t rinse the pasta, you’ll end up with a sticky, gloppy mess.
Too Much Dressing: Adding too much can drown the salad. Stick to the recipe unless you want a pot of creamy soup.
Ignoring Chilling Time: Don’t rush! Allow the salad to chill and let the flavors meld beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta would add a lovely texture and make it a bit healthier.
What if I don’t like cheddar?
Try swapping it out for your favorite cheese! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even feta would work wonders.
How long will it last in the fridge?
Usually about three to four days, but I suggest acting quickly—it’s too good to last!
Can this recipe be halved for smaller gatherings?
Of course! Just adjust the ingredients accordingly. It still packs a flavor punch!

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

A large pot for boiling pasta.
A colander for draining.
A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
A whisk or fork for mixing the dressing.
A sharp knife and cutting board for chopping.
Airtight containers for storing your leftovers.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad has become a staple in my kitchen for more reasons than one. It’s easy to make, delightfully flexible, and packed full of memories and love. Whether I’m serving it at a gathering or enjoying it on a quiet night at home, it feels warm and inviting.

I’d love to hear about your experiences if you give it a try! Are there any fun twists you add to your version? If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Happy cooking!