Equipment Required
To make this easy macaroni salad recipe, you will need:
- Chopping board and knife for cutting and dicing
- Stove top and saucepan for cooking the pasta
- Strainer for straining the cooked pasta
- Large bowl for mixing
- Small bowl or jug for mixing the dressing ingredients
- Spoon or rubber spatula to combine the ingredients
Step by Step Instructions
I love how easy this pasta salad is! Perfect when you need a last-minute side, this favorite recipe only takes 25 minutes to throw together. Let’s get started!
Step 1 – Make The Dressing
Place all of the dressing ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
![Salad dressing ingredients in a grey bowl with a spoon](https://bakeplaysmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Creamy-Pasta-Salad-Process-3.jpg)
![Salad dressing ingredients in a grey bowl with a spoon](https://bakeplaysmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Creamy-Pasta-Salad-Process-3.jpg)
![Pasta salad dressing mixed in a grey bowl with a spoon](https://bakeplaysmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Creamy-Pasta-Salad-Process-4.jpg)
![Pasta salad dressing mixed in a grey bowl with a spoon](https://bakeplaysmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Creamy-Pasta-Salad-Process-4.jpg)
Step 2 – Cook The Pasta
Cook the macaroni noodles (or other pasta) according to the packet instructions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Be careful not to overcook. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Add the well-drained pasta to a large serving bowl and set aside to cool while you prepare the vegetables.
![Cooked macaroni in a glass bowl](https://bakeplaysmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Creamy-Pasta-Salad-Process-2.jpg)
![Cooked macaroni in a glass bowl](https://bakeplaysmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Creamy-Pasta-Salad-Process-2.jpg)
Step 3 – Add The Vegetables
Add the chopped vegetables to the cooled pasta.
![Chopped vegetables added to cooked macaroni in a glass bowl](https://bakeplaysmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Creamy-Pasta-Salad-Process-5.jpg)
![Chopped vegetables added to cooked macaroni in a glass bowl](https://bakeplaysmile.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Creamy-Pasta-Salad-Process-5.jpg)
Step 4 – Add The Dressing.
Pour over the dressing and stir to combine. Season with extra salt and pepper, if needed. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until required.