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Classic Homemade Grandma’s Church Potluck Pasta Salad

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A nostalgic, creamy, tangy, and crunchy pasta salad perfect for parties and potlucks, featuring elbow macaroni, a creamy dressing, fresh veggies, and optional hard-boiled eggs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) mayonnaise, preferably full-fat
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (12 grams) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 stalks green onion, sliced thinly
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of elbow macaroni or rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Let it drain well.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup (180 ml) mayonnaise, 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white vinegar, 1 tablespoon (12 grams) sugar, and 1 teaspoon celery seed until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  4. Chop 2 celery stalks, 1 red bell pepper, and slice 3 green onions thinly. Add these to the dressing along with 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and vegetables. Gently fold with a large spoon or spatula to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to mash the pasta or veggies.
  6. Chop 3 hard-boiled eggs and fold them into the salad (optional).
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
  8. Give the salad a gentle stir before serving and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta in cold water to stop cooking and cool it. Fold ingredients gently to preserve texture. Chill at least 1 hour for best flavor. Add eggs just before serving if preparing ahead. If salad seems dry after chilling, stir in more mayonnaise or a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, church potluck, creamy pasta salad, elbow macaroni salad, party salad, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/classic-homemade-grandmas-church-potluck-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-parties/