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Creamy macaroni pasta salad with vegetables and herbs.

Instant Pot Macaroni Salad

Diana
With sweet pickles and loads of crunchy veggies, this macaroni salad is a crowd pleaser. 
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Servings 4 to 6 servings
Calories 528
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Pasta Salad, Summer Food
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 3/4 cup celery, diced
  • 1/3 cup sweet pickles, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 4 ounces pimientos, diced, drained

For the Dressing

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Dash crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne, optional for spicy version
  • Fresh chopped chives or parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta: Put the macaroni in the Instant Pot with 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Lock the lid in place, choose high pressure or manual cook, and set the timer for 3 minutes. It will take approximately 6 to 8 minutes to come to pressure. When it stops cooking, wait 2 minutes and then do a quick release.
    Boiled small pasta in a silver pot on wood surface.
  • Cool the pasta: Transfer the macaroni to a bowl and let it cool.
  • Add the vegetables: Add the celery, sweet pickles, onion, and pimientos, and toss to combine.
    Diced celery, pickles, red bell peppers, and macaroni in a glass bowl.
  • Dress the salad: Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk to blend. Add the dressing to the salad ingredients and stir until well combined. Transfer the salad to the fridge and let it chill for at least 1 hour to develop the flavors.
    Creamy macaroni salad with chopped vegetables in a glass bowl.
  • Serve: Transfer the macaroni salad to a serving bowl. Enjoy!
    Creamy macaroni salad with chopped vegetables and fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 528kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 9gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 19gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 633mgPotassium: 277mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 965IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cookout food, macaroni salad, summer food
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