Description
This Marry Me Macaroni Pasta Salad combines mouthwatering flavors with simple preparation. Enjoy tender macaroni, savory chicken, and creamy dressing for a irresistible dish suitable for quick dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- ½ cup (110 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (115 g) sour cream
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil, (from the jar)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic, (minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, (shredded)
- 1 cup (110 g) sun-dried tomatoes, (packed in oil (reserve 2 tablespoons of the oil for the dressing), chopped)
- 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes, (halved)
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach, (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella pearls
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, (grated)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente per package instructions.
- Drain and rinse the macaroni under cold water to cool it, then set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, sun-dried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, minced garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined. Set this dressing aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled macaroni with shredded chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, mozzarella pearls, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Stir again before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to taste.
Notes
For a bit of crunch, consider adding nuts like pine nuts or walnuts.
This salad tastes even better after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg