Ramsay Macaroni Salad

Introduction

Ramsay Macaroni Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic dish, combining crunchy vegetables with a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a delightful side to your favorite grilled dishes.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Toss the noodles lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with the diced sweet gherkins, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet pickle juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir well and adjust seasoning or add a bit more dressing if needed.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped celery seeds or toasted nuts like walnuts.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dressing.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Make the salad a day ahead to allow flavors to meld perfectly.

Storage

Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir and, if desired, add a splash of pickle juice or a little extra mayonnaise to refresh the texture. This salad is best served chilled and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pickles instead of sweet gherkins?

Yes, you can substitute sweet gherkins with finely diced fresh pickles, but note that the flavor will be tangier and less sweet. Adjust the sugar in the dressing if needed.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise and omit the eggs. You can also substitute sour cream with a plant-based alternative. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Ramsay Macaroni Salad

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 60 reviews

This Ramsay Macaroni Salad is a refreshing and tangy side dish featuring tender macaroni noodles combined with crunchy vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy, flavorful dressing. Perfectly chilled and well-balanced with sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, it’s an ideal accompaniment for picnics, barbecues, or casual meals.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz dry macaroni noodles

Vegetables & Eggs

• 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

Dressing

• 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

Additional

• Olive oil for tossing the cooked pasta

Instructions

1. Cook Macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the macaroni noodles. Cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the macaroni with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni noodles with the finely diced sweet gherkins, red bell pepper, sliced celery, diced red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
3. Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet pickle juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
4. Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the eggs.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the macaroni salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, stir the salad gently and adjust seasoning or dressing as needed.

Notes

• This salad is best served chilled, so plan ahead to allow for adequate refrigeration time.
• Use sweet gherkins to add a subtle sweet and tangy crunch; if unavailable, substitute with sweet pickles finely chopped.
• For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with low-fat Greek yogurt and reduce sour cream.
• Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for additional freshness if desired.
• Ensure macaroni is well rinsed and cooled thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.

Keywords: macaroni salad, pasta salad, Ramsay recipe, picnic salad, creamy macaroni salad, easy side dish