Which pasta shape works great here?

Go for short kinds like elbow macaroni or ziti since they catch the dressing well and blend nicely with the veggies and cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely, popping it in the fridge for 4 to 6 hours or overnight helps the flavors mix better and thickens the dressing just right.

Any swap for sour cream?

Mexican crema works well and gives the same creamy feel with a gentle tang.

How do I tweak the seasoning to taste?

Play around with celery salt and seeds to get the flavor just how you like. They add a unique herbal note.

What does shredded carrot bring to the dish?

It adds a little sweet crunch that balances out the creamy sauce and the sharp cheese.

Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Salad

Section: Anytime Treats

Here you get perfectly cooked pasta that’s still got some bite with fresh chopped veggies like red pepper, onion, and celery mixed in. The sauce is a blend of sour cream, mayo, and a pinch of sugar to keep it balanced. Celery salt and seeds bring an earthy twist while shredded carrot and pimientos give some sweet crunch. Cubes of cheddar get stirred in last for a rich, tangy kick. Let it chill to bring all those flavors together for a creamy dish that’s great for any get-together.

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Created By Lindsey

Most recently updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 19:56:01 GMT

A bowl of macaroni salad with cheddar sour cream. | cookbing.com

This macaroni salad with cheddar and sour cream is super tasty and great for barbecues, picnics, or whenever you want a cozy pasta dish. It mixes sharp cheddar, tangy sour cream, and crunchy veggies for a special treat that's quick to whip up.

I threw this together once for a family get-together with hardly any prep and everyone loved it It quickly became our favorite easy dish for casual hangouts

Ingredients

Directions

A bowl of macaroni salad with cheddar cheese and sour cream. | cookbing.com

I threw this together once for a family get-together with hardly any prep and everyone loved it It quickly became our favorite easy dish for casual hangouts

Keeping It Fresh

Swap Ideas

How to Serve

Add some toasted walnuts or pecans anytime you want to boost nuttiness and crunch

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Which pasta shape works great here?: Go for short kinds like elbow macaroni or ziti since they catch the dressing well and blend nicely with the veggies and cheese.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?: Definitely, popping it in the fridge for 4 to 6 hours or overnight helps the flavors mix better and thickens the dressing just right.
→ Any swap for sour cream?: Mexican crema works well and gives the same creamy feel with a gentle tang.
→ How do I tweak the seasoning to taste?: Play around with celery salt and seeds to get the flavor just how you like. They add a unique herbal note.
→ What does shredded carrot bring to the dish?: It adds a little sweet crunch that balances out the creamy sauce and the sharp cheese.

Cheddar Sour Cream Mix

Smooth pasta with sharp cheddar, sour cream, veggies, and celery spice.

Preparation Time

30 minutes

Time to Cook

15 minutes

Overall Time

45 minutes

Created By: Lindsey

Type of Recipe: Snacks

Cooking Difficulty: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yielded: 9 Number of Servings (8 to 10 servings)

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian Option

Ingredients List

→ Cheese

01 454 g sharp cheddar, chopped small

→ Seasonings

02 2 teaspoons celery seed

03 2 teaspoons celery salt

→ Pasta

04 454 g ziti pasta

→ Dressing

05 60 ml sour cream

06 2 teaspoons white sugar

07 360 ml mayo

→ Vegetables

08 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

09 1 large carrot, grated and chopped fine

10 1 medium red onion, chopped finely

11 1 bunch fresh parsley, minced (optional)

12 1 red bell pepper, chopped small

13 2 tablespoons diced pimientos with juice

Detailed Cooking Steps

Step 01

You can eat it right away or cover and cool it in the fridge for 4 to 6 hours or even overnight. The taste gets better with time.

Step 02

Gently mix the chopped cheddar cheese in so it spreads through everything.

Step 03

Mix the cooked and drained pasta with the dressed veggies carefully so everything’s coated. Taste and add more celery salt if you want.

Step 04

Let the veggie mix sit for about 15 minutes so flavors can come together nicely.

Step 05

If you want, chop the fresh parsley and gently mix it into the veggies.

Step 06

Beat sour cream, mayo, and sugar together until smooth.

Step 07

Grate the carrot then chop the shreds smaller for even pieces. Mix it into the veggie bowl.

Step 08

Put the red onion, bell pepper, and celery in a big bowl. Sprinkle celery salt and celery seed on top. Add the pimientos with their liquid and stir well.

Step 09

Cook the ziti pasta following the package until it's firm but not hard. Rinse with cold water and drain well.

Helpful Hints

You can play with how much celery salt and seed you use to suit your taste.
If you don’t have sour cream, Mexican crema works fine instead.
Letting this cool in the fridge for a few hours or overnight helps the flavors get richer.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

Big pot to boil pasta
Big bowl for mixing
Grater
Whisk
Knife and cutting board

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and ask a doctor if unsure.

Has dairy and gluten

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

These nutritional values serve as a guide and don’t replace advice from healthcare experts.

Calorie Count: 650
Fat Content: 40 grams
Carbohydrate Content: 50 grams
Protein Amount: 25 grams