Description
This Gordon Ramsay Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and colorful side dish that turns simple pasta into a fresh crowd-pleaser. It is perfect for quick lunch prep, easy dinner sides, summer cookouts, potluck food ideas, picnic recipes, and make-ahead meal ideas when you want something cool, comforting, and full of crunch.
Ingredients
12 ounces elbow macaroni
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup grated carrot
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the elbow macaroni until just tender according to the package directions.
2. Drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Shake off excess water well.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
4. Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing and stir gently until evenly coated.
5. Fold in the celery, red bell pepper, red onion, grated carrot, parsley, and chives until everything is well mixed.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or 1 to 2 hours for the best flavor.
7. Stir again before serving, then adjust with a little extra lemon juice, salt, or dressing if needed.
Notes
Use good-quality mayonnaise because it gives the dressing most of its creamy flavor.
Drain the pasta very well after rinsing so the dressing does not become watery.
If the salad thickens in the fridge, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mayonnaise before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boil and Chill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 365 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
Keywords: Gordon Ramsay macaroni salad, macaroni salad, creamy pasta salad, easy side dish, cookout salad, picnic salad, potluck recipe, easy dinner side