Description

This Marry Me Macaroni Pasta Salad combines irresistible flavors with simple prep. Featuring elbow macaroni, roasted chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy dressing, it’s an ideal dish for quick dinners or potlucks. Your friends and family will love this mouthwatering and satisfying salad!

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)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package directions.
Drain and rinse the macaroni under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
Prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, sun-dried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, minced garlic, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, shredded chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped spinach, mozzarella pearls, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop, then stir before serving and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, replace rotisserie chicken with chickpeas or any preferred protein.
This salad can be made a day ahead; just give it a good stir before serving.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 60mg