Inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s culinary principles, this elevated macaroni salad balances creaminess, tang, and crunch. A refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or meal prep.
Author:Lizaa
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Side Dish
Method:Boiled
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
8 oz dry macaroni noodles
½ cup finely diced sweet gherkins
¾ cup finely diced red bell pepper
⅓ cup thinly sliced celery
⅓ cup finely diced red onion
2 large hard-boiled eggs, finely diced
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
2 tbsp sweet pickle juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
⅛ tsp garlic powder
⅛ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Rinse under cold water to cool, then toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Finely dice gherkins, bell pepper, celery, red onion, and eggs.
In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
Combine pasta, vegetables, and eggs in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and gently mix until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir and adjust seasoning or moisture with more pickle juice or mayo if needed.
Notes
Use lemon juice and add feta and olives for a Greek-style twist.
Replace gherkins with pickled jalapeños and increase red pepper flakes for heat.
Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for brightness.
Make it vegan by using plant-based mayo and omitting eggs.