This Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe is the stuff of backyard picnic dreams—creamy, tangy, with bursts of sharp cheddar and vibrant veggies in every bite. Inspired by famous deli versions, it’s overflowing with perfectly cooked ziti pasta, a dreamy dressing made from mayonnaise and sour cream, and a colorful crunch from red bell pepper, celery, carrots, and red onion. Powered by classic seasonings and dappled with pimiento, every scoop is pure summer comfort. Whether you’re sharing it at a cookout or sneaking forkfuls straight from the fridge, this unforgettable salad will become your new party staple!

Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of trusty ingredients come together to create such a standout salad! Each component in the Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe plays a special role—from the creamy dressing to the tiny bits of cheese and crisp, fresh veggies.

Ziti Pasta: Choose a sturdy shape like ziti to soak up maximum flavor and keep its bite in the mix.
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing ensures each noodle gets luscious coverage.
Sour Cream: Brings a welcome tang that lightens the dressing and elevates the flavors.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweet crunch and eye-catching color.
Red Onion: Offers a gentle bite and depth—dice it finely for a milder touch.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A pop of green for color and freshness.
Carrot: Grated and chopped small for subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
Celery: A key for crunch and a clean, grassy flavor that brightens up the salad.
Celery Salt: Essential seasoning with a signature deli flavor—start with less and adjust to taste.
Celery Seed: Adds a fragrant, peppery note that can’t be skipped for authenticity.
Diced Pimientos with Liquid: Brings a hint of mild, tangy-sweet pepper and keeps the salad moist.
Cheddar Cheese: Grab a block of your favorite for the freshest flavor—dice it tiny so it’s in every forkful.
White Sugar: Just a touch rounds out the savory and tangy elements in the dressing.

How to Make Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to aim for al dente—the noodles will continue to soften once tossed with the creamy dressing. Once cooked, rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking and drain well. This keeps the pasta perfectly springy for your Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

Grab your cutting board and a sharp knife—finely dice the red onion, bell pepper, and celery so they meld seamlessly with the pasta. Add them to a big mixing bowl, sprinkle with celery salt and celery seed, and toss to coat, unlocking their flavors. Next, spoon in the diced pimientos along with a bit of their liquid for extra yum, and grate the carrot before chopping it even finer for just a hint of crunch and color.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and white sugar in a separate bowl until smooth and velvety. For even more punch, add a little extra celery seed or celery salt if you love that deli-counter taste. This luscious mix is what gives the Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe its signature creamy, tangy finish.

Step 4: Combine and Let It Rest

If using parsley, mince it and toss it into the veggie bowl. Let the vegetables marinate for about 15 minutes—this helps mellow their bite and infuses them with the seasonings. Pour the creamy dressing over the veggies, stir to coat, then add the cooled pasta. Toss everything together until each noodle is gleaming.

Step 5: Add the Cheddar

Dice your cheddar cheese into very small cubes—this ensures that every bite of salad has that irresistible cheesy payoff. Fold the cheddar gently into the salad, being careful not to smush the pasta. Taste and adjust the celery salt if you crave more savoriness.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

You can absolutely dig in right away, but the flavors get even bigger and better if you cover the bowl and chill the salad for 4–6 hours, or even overnight. This rest time lets all the ingredients mingle, making the Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe even more irresistible.

How to Serve Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a handful of freshly minced parsley, extra diced red bell pepper, or an extra dusting of celery seed right on top to make this salad pop with color—presentation is half the fun! For a gourmet touch, try a few thinly sliced green onions or a shake of smoked paprika just before serving.

Side Dishes

This crowd-pleasing Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe is just begging to star at potlucks, BBQs, or family gatherings. Set it alongside grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even pulled pork. It also loves to hang out next to classic picnic sides like baked beans, watermelon, or tangy pickles.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop the salad into individual mason jars for grab-and-go picnics, or serve in a big, colorful bowl lined with leafy lettuce to wow your guests. For a twist, pile it onto crostini or stuff it into bell pepper halves for a playful, party-perfect appetizer that’ll wow both kids and adults.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Give it a good stir before each serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled or thickened—if it feels a bit dry, stir in a small spoonful of mayo or sour cream to refresh it.

Freezing

While it’s tempting to stockpile this salad, freezing is not recommended. The creamy dressing and the structure of the noodles can suffer from thawing, leading to a less appetizing texture. Make just enough to enjoy fresh, or plan for happy leftovers within the week.

Reheating

This Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat, in fact gentle chilling actually improves the flavors over time, making each bite even more satisfying on day two or three.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While ziti is classic for its sturdiness, other short shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well and soak up the creamy dressing. Just avoid very tiny shapes—they tend to get lost in the mix.

How do I make this recipe lighter?

If you want a lighter Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe, try using light mayonnaise and low-fat or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. The salad will still be deliciously creamy, just a bit lighter on calories.

Can I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, with a few swaps! Use your favorite vegan mayo and sour cream, and substitute a dairy-free cheddar-style cheese. Just be mindful to choose options that melt and cube well for the right texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make this nut-free?

Definitely! None of the recipe ingredients include nuts, but always double-check your cheese and mayo packaging if you have sensitivities. This Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe is naturally nut-free for most brands.

How far ahead can I make this salad?

This salad reaches peak flavor after a good chill, so it’s perfect for making up to one day ahead. Just store covered in the fridge and stir before serving—the flavors only get better as they mingle!

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a creamy, vibrant dish that’s packed with flavor and a hit at any table, this Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, but special enough to steal the show at your next party. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first forkful!