Ingredients

1 lb. box of Ziti Pasta

1.5 cups of Mayonnaise

1/4 cup of Sour Cream

1 Red Bell Pepper

1 medium sized Red Onion

1 bunch of fresh Parsley (optional)

1 large Carrot

2 stems of Celery

2 teaspoons of Celery Salt (or to taste)

2 teaspoons of Celery Seed (or to taste)

2 tablespoons of diced Pimientos with the liquid

1 lb. block of your favorite Cheddar Cheese

2 teaspoons of White Sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Boil your pasta according to the package directions, cooking it to al dente since it will soften in the salad dressing. Rinse well with cold water and drain thoroughly.

Step 2: Finely dice the onion, red bell pepper, and celery. Place these in a large bowl and sprinkle with celery salt and celery seed. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Add the diced pimientos along with some of their liquid to the vegetable mixture. Adjust the amount according to your preference.

Step 4: Grate the carrot and then finely chop the grated carrot to create smaller pieces. Add this to the bowl with the other vegetables.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and white sugar. You can substitute Mexican Crema for regular sour cream if desired. Optionally, add a pinch of celery seed and celery salt to this dressing.

Step 6: If using, mince the fresh parsley and add it to the bowl of vegetables, then toss everything to coat.

Step 7: Let the vegetable mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 8: Toss the vegetables with the mayo and sour cream dressing. Add the cooked pasta and toss again to coat thoroughly. Taste and adjust celery salt if needed.

Step 9: Dice the cheddar cheese into very small pieces and gently fold them into the salad.

Step 10: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a tangier flavor, try using Mexican Crema in place of sour cream.

Add chopped green onions or chives for extra freshness and color.

Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese taste or mild cheddar for a subtler flavor.

Adjust the amount of celery salt and seed to your taste for customized seasoning.

If you prefer a lower-fat version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with other short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne. Just be sure to cook it al dente to maintain the salad’s texture.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

This macaroni salad tastes best after resting for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to blend. It can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.