Zesty Lemon-Dill Macaroni Salad

Name: Zesty Lemon-Dill Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup celery, diced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup pickles, diced; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 10 min

🍽 Serves: 8

★★★★★

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If you're looking for a refreshing twist on a classic, this Zesty Lemon-Dill Macaroni Salad is just the thing. With bright flavors from lemon and dill, it's perfect for summer picnics or a light lunch any day of the week.

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Ingredients for Zesty Lemon-Dill Macaroni Salad

Elbow macaroni is the base of this salad, providing a hearty, comforting texture. Mayonnaise and sour cream combine to create a creamy dressing with a slight tang. Lemon juice and lemon zest bring a fresh, vibrant flavor, while Dijon mustard adds a hint of sharpness. Fresh dill infuses the salad with a distinct herbaceous note. Red onion gives it a mild bite, and celery adds a nice crunch. Red bell pepper contributes sweetness and color, and pickles offer a tangy twist. Finally, season with salt and pepper to balance all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

For extra zest, add a bit more lemon juice or zest just before serving.
Use a salad spinner to dry your veggies after washing to prevent a watery salad.
If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can add an unexpected kick.
Make sure to chop the veggies finely for a consistent texture throughout the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great addition to any barbecue. For a vegetarian option, try serving it alongside grilled portobello mushrooms or a hearty vegetable tart. It's also a fantastic stand-alone lunch when served on a bed of fresh greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?: Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld.
What if I'm not a fan of pickles?: No problem. You can leave them out or replace them with capers for a similar tangy note.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?: Greek yogurt works well as a healthier alternative while maintaining the creaminess.

Zesty Lemon-Dill Macaroni Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, so the pasta holds up well in the salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This not only stops the cooking process but also cools the pasta for the salad.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until you have a smooth, cohesive dressing. This is your flavor base, so make sure everything is well combined.

Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl, followed by the fresh dill, red onion, celery, red bell pepper, and pickles. Toss gently to combine, ensuring that each piece of pasta is well coated with the dressing and the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout.

Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Give it another gentle toss, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bursting with fresh, zesty flavors that elevate a classic side.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
A versatile dish that complements various proteins and veggies.
Ideal for meal prep – tastes even better the next day!
Customizable to suit dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp lemon zest

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup celery, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup pickles, diced

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard until smooth.

3. Add the cooked macaroni, dill, red onion, celery, red bell pepper, and pickles to the bowl. Toss to combine and ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

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