Description
This Colorful Mardi Gras Pasta is a vibrant and festive pasta salad perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations, parties, and potlucks! Made with elbow macaroni dyed in purple, green, and yellow, this creamy, tangy salad features crisp celery, red onion, and bell peppers for the perfect crunch. A zesty Dijon-mayo dressing ties it all together, making this fun and flavorful pasta dish a show-stopping side for any Mardi Gras feast!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Ingredients:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- Purple, green, and yellow food coloring
Instructions
Cook & Color the Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Divide the pasta evenly into three separate bowls.
- Add a few drops of purple food coloring to one bowl, green to another, and yellow to the last.
- Stir each with a splash of water until evenly colored. Let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse and drain.
Make the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Assemble the Salad:
- Add the dyed pasta, celery, red onion, and bell peppers to the bowl.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- Enjoy this fun and colorful Mardi Gras pasta salad!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, or diced ham.
- Use tricolor pasta instead of food coloring for a natural alternative.
- Serve chilled for the best texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- chill time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mardi Gras, Party Food
