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Creamy Italian Macaroni Salad

Creamy Italian Macaroni Salad

A creamy, family-friendly macaroni salad made with Brami pasta, Greek yogurt, mayo, chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, and pepperoni. A lighter twist on a picnic classic that still tastes like comfort food.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the salad:
  • 12 oz Brami pasta or elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • ½ cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ¾ –1 cup pepperoni chopped
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • Optional: ½ cup sliced black olives I left these out because my kids aren't olive fans
  • For the creamy Italian dressing:
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
  • 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 –2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 –3 tablespoons water or milk if needed for consistency
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook Brami pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cools, dice cucumber, red onion, and pepperoni.
  3. Drain and rinse chickpeas well and pat dry.
  4. In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, Italian seasoning packet, olive oil, vinegar, and a splash of water if needed until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add cooled pasta, cucumbers, onions, chickpeas, and pepperoni.
  6. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes if possible.
  8. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

HEC Tip:
The cucumbers ended up being one of my favorite parts. They added fresh crunch and kept the salad from feeling overly heavy.
Next time I'd try:
Lightly season and roast or air-fry the chickpeas before adding them. Not fully crunchy — just enough to boost flavor and reduce that slightly dry texture.
Kid review:
Oldest loved it. Husband liked it. Son was undecided. Youngest refused participation entirely 😄