Description

Looking for the ultimate easy recipe that brings bold flavor and retro charm to your table? This Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad is creamy, crunchy, and loaded with color. It’s the perfect side for barbecues, potlucks, or quick lunches. With its zesty dressing and classic ingredients like elbow macaroni, celery, and bell peppers, this dish makes comfort food stylish again. Whether you’re browsing for quick lunch ideas, picnic recipes, or a make-ahead party side, this salad covers it all with style and substance.

Ingredients

1 pound cavatappi or elbow macaroni

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup diced celery

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

1 cup diced red bell pepper

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Dice celery, red onion, and red bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces.

4. Add cooled pasta to the dressing, then fold in chopped vegetables until evenly coated.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

6. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add a splash of milk or mayo if the dressing has thickened too much.

Notes

For best flavor, chill overnight to let everything soak in.

Use full-fat mayo and sour cream for a richer texture.

Add-ins like bacon or ham should be used sparingly to keep balance.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy salad, picnic recipes, easy side dish, summer recipes, cold pasta salad, retro food