This Cheesy Creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a creamy, cheesy dressing. It’s a fantastic side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or even a satisfying meal on its own. The balance of textures—from the soft pasta to the juicy chicken and crunchy vegetables—makes this salad a crowd-pleaser. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- ½ cup sweet pickle relish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni and Chicken
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a separate pot, cook chicken breasts in boiling water for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked. Let cool, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, celery, red bell pepper, green onions, and pickle relish.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs.
This Cheesy Creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. You can find more details here. 🧀🥗✨