Description
Marry Me Macaroni Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser with its rich flavors and simple prep. Made with elbow macaroni, rotisserie chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes, this salad is perfect for a quick dinner or potluck. Enjoy the creamy dressing and fresh veggies for a truly satisfying meal.
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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse macaroni under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, sun-dried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl combine the cooled macaroni, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, mozzarella pearls, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
- Stir before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
