Modern Amercian Macaroni Salad

I watched diners drive-ins and dives and the once show had a wonderful looking pasta salad called Mama's Mac Salad that I just had to try and recreate, so here is my version! I used bow tie because that is what I had in the cupboard, the true Mama's salad uses shells, but use what you want or have on hand. The box said 6 servings- but once everything was cooked and mixed together it looked like more so I am guessing on the servings being 8.

• Ready In: 27 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 12  ounces bow tie pasta
• 1⁄4 cup  fined died red onion
• 1⁄4 cup  fine diced green bell pepper
• 1  cup mayonnaise
• 1⁄2 cup sour cream
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2  tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2  teaspoons sugar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2  teaspoons garlic powder
• 1  teaspoon onion powder
• 8  ounces  shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Boil pasta for 12 minutes in salted water drain well and let cool while you mix up the "juice" for the salad and cut up vegetables.
2. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard and spices in the largest bowl you have- you will need it!
3. Taste and adjust salt etc to your taste.
4. Throw in onion, bell pepper, cool pasta and cheese. Toss a lot to coat completely and mix everything around, taste again and sprinkle any additional spice you might want to add mixing well after each addition.
5. Place in a sealed plastic container and refrigerate several hours before serving.