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Homemade Creamy, Lighter Macaroni Salad photo

Creamy, Lighter Macaroni Salad

A light, creamy macaroni salad with yogurt, chopped eggs, radishes, celery, and dill pickle for a bright, refreshing side.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni ½ pound (about 226.8 g)
  • 2 hard-cooked eggs whites roughly chopped; yolks left whole
  • 1 cup plain yogurt low-fat or non-fat (about 245 g)
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 4 radishes quartered and thinly sliced
  • 2 stalks celery thinly sliced crosswise
  • 2 tbsp dill pickle finely chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped; for sprinkling before serving

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Small Bowl
  • Fork
  • Mixing Spoon
  • Airtight Container

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and return to the pot to cool slightly.
  2. In a small bowl, mash one egg yolk with a fork. Stir in the yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth to make the dressing.
  3. Add the dressing to the warm pasta and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Gently fold in the chopped egg whites, sliced radishes, sliced celery, and chopped dill pickle. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Chill the salad in an airtight container until cold. Sprinkle with chopped chives just before serving.

Notes

  • Use low-fat or non-fat plain yogurt to keep it lighter.
  • Reserve one egg yolk as directed to enrich the dressing.
  • Adjust lemon juice and salt to taste for brightness.
  • Chill before serving for best flavor melding.