Description
This creamy Gordon Ramsay Macaroni Salad is the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and crunchy. Packed with fresh veggies and a rich dressing, it’s an easy make-ahead side dish that everyone will love at barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Salad:
8 oz macaroni (elbow, cooked al dente)
½ cup sweet gherkins, finely diced
¾ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
⅓ cup celery, finely diced
⅓ cup red onion, finely diced (soak in cold water to mellow)
2 large hard-boiled eggs, finely diced
Dressing:
¾ cup mayonnaise (quality brand)
¼ cup sour cream
2 Tbsp sweet pickle juice
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water until cooled. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare vegetables and eggs by dicing them small and evenly.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, gherkins, bell pepper, celery, onion, and eggs. Pour dressing over and fold gently until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor). Stir before serving and add a splash of mayo or pickle juice if needed.
Notes
Don’t overcook pasta—it should be firm to avoid breaking down.
Sweet gherkins are key for balance; if swapping with dill, increase sugar slightly.
Make ahead: This salad tastes better after sitting overnight.
Garnish with parsley, paprika, or chives for color when serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Chilled, No-Bake Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg