Mac and Cheese Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Name: Mac and Cheese Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, homemade, or good-quality store-bought; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh chives; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 2 teaspoons minced shallot; 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 pound shaped pasta such as fusilli, farfalle, or cavatappi; 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallion; 3 ounces ricotta salata, grated (about 3/4 cup); 5 cups loosely packed mache he or baby spinach leaves

Servings: persons

1/2 cup mayonnaise, homemade, or good-quality store-bought
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh chives
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons minced shallot
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound shaped pasta such as fusilli, farfalle, or cavatappi
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallion
3 ounces ricotta salata, grated (about 3/4 cup)
5 cups loosely packed mache he or baby spinach leaves

1
To make the buttermilk dressing, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk in a bowl.
2
Add the dill, chives, garlic, shallot, and lemon juice and whisk again.
3
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente.
5
Drain the pasta and immediately run under cold water until it is completely cool.
6
Drain well.
7
Put the pasta in a large bowl and, using a rubber spatula, fold in enough dressing to coat it generously.
8
Fold in the scallion, cheese, and mache.
9
Mound the salad on a large platter and serve.

936

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, homemade, or good-quality store-bought, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, and more.

Yes, Mac and Cheese Salad with Buttermilk Dressing falls under the Salads category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!