Anne S Pasta Salad Made Lighter Recipe

This lighter take on my Aunt Anne's famous macaroni salad is a family favorite, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a healthy weeknight meal! It's creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh veggies, all while being surprisingly light and refreshing. Get ready for rave reviews!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Calories 293.6 kcal
Protein 24g
Rating 3.3 (3 Reviews)
Anne S Pasta Salad Made Lighter

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Anne S Pasta Salad Made Lighter

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2% Cheddar Cheese
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Shallots
  • Light Mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Anne S Pasta Salad Made Lighter

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
  2. While macaroni cooks, chop vegetables: 1 cup celery (finely diced), 1/2 cup red onion (finely diced), 1/2 cup red bell pepper (finely diced).
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, chopped vegetables, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together: 1/2 cup light mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess and less fat), 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Pour dressing over macaroni mixture and stir gently to combine.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. (For best results, chill for 2-4 hours or even overnight!)
  7. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

18 g

Sugar

29g

Fat

15g

Carbs

10g

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