Go Back
To make this tasty macaroni salad, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 3/4 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) These ingredients create a creamy and flavorful dish. The elbow macaroni serves as the base, while fresh veggies add crunch. The dressing combines mayonnaise with mustard and vinegar for a tangy kick. You can make your macaroni salad even better with these options: - Chopped bell peppers for sweetness - Cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor - Sliced olives for a briny touch - Avocado for creaminess - Fresh herbs like dill or basil for extra zest Adding these ingredients can bring new flavors and textures to your salad. Mix and match based on what you enjoy! If you need to swap ingredients, consider these options: - Use gluten-free pasta if you are gluten-intolerant. - Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. - Replace feta with a dairy-free cheese for vegan diets. - Use honey mustard instead of Dijon for a sweeter taste. These substitutes keep the dish tasty while accommodating dietary needs. Enjoy creating your own version of this delightful macaroni salad! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a big pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook it according to the package's time. Once it's al dente, drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps it firm. Set the macaroni aside to cool. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, mix 3/4 cup of mayonnaise. Then add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. The dressing should be smooth and creamy. Now, add the cooled macaroni to the dressing. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. Then, fold in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, and 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion. Add 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of flavor. Mix everything until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, gently fold in 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to mix perfectly. Serve it cold for a delightful dish. To make the best macaroni salad, start with good ingredients. Use fresh veggies for a crunch. Always cook your pasta al dente. This keeps it firm and tasty. Rinse the pasta after cooking. This cools it down and stops the cooking process. Mix your dressing well. A smooth dressing coats the pasta better. Don't rush the chilling time. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This helps the flavors mix. Avoid overcooking the pasta. Soft pasta will turn mushy in your salad. Don’t skip the rinsing step. This is key to keeping the texture right. Be careful with the salt. Taste first, then add more if needed. Using too much mayo can make it heavy. A little can go a long way. Lastly, don’t forget the herbs! They add a fresh taste that lifts the dish. The right balance makes a big difference. Use a mix of sweet and tangy. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while apple cider vinegar brings tang. Don’t forget the spices! Garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth. Adding feta cheese can enhance the creaminess. Chop fresh parsley finely. It adds color and freshness. Let your salad chill. This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. Enjoy the burst of taste in every bite! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the elbow macaroni until al dente ensures the pasta retains a slight bite, preventing it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing. Chill for Flavor: Allowing the macaroni salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers not only adds crunch but also elevates the dish with vibrant flavors. Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to customize the salad by adding ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or even proteins like chicken or tuna for a heartier meal. {{image_2}} You can easily make this macaroni salad vegetarian or vegan. To do this, simply swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan version. There are many brands that offer tasty vegan mayo. You can also use silken tofu blended until smooth as a creamy base. This keeps the salad rich and delicious without animal products. If you want to boost the flavor, try adding other ingredients. Some great choices are: - Bell peppers: Chop up red, yellow, or green bell peppers for a sweet crunch. - Olives: Sliced black or green olives add a nice briny touch. - Sweet corn: Fresh or canned corn adds sweetness and texture. - Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon gives a smoky flavor that many love. These extras can make your salad exciting and unique. While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use other pasta shapes. Here are some fun options: - Penne: This tube-shaped pasta holds the dressing well. - Fusilli: The spirals catch bits of veggies and flavor. - Shells: These can create a fun, playful look and texture. Trying different pastas can change the whole feel of your macaroni salad. Enjoy experimenting with these variations! To keep your macaroni salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. This helps keep out air and moisture. You can also cover a bowl with plastic wrap. Always chill the salad in the fridge. This keeps it cool and safe to eat. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long. Gordon Ramsay's macaroni salad can last for about three to five days in the fridge. After that, the flavors may fade. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it's best to toss it. Always check for freshness before serving. The salad is best enjoyed within the first few days. Refrigerating is the best option for storing macaroni salad. Freezing is not recommended. When you freeze it, the pasta can become mushy. The texture of vegetables also changes. If you want to store it long-term, think about making a smaller batch. Enjoy the creamy goodness fresh for the best taste! Gordon Ramsay's macaroni salad stands out due to its fresh ingredients. The mix of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion adds great crunch. The creamy dressing combines mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar for depth. Garlic powder and smoked paprika give it a unique flavor kick. Fresh parsley and optional feta add brightness and tang. Each bite is rich in taste, making it a true delight. Yes, you can make macaroni salad in advance. It is best to chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to mix well. You can prepare it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just be sure to add any delicate ingredients, like feta, right before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. To make macaroni salad creamy without mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt gives a nice, thick texture. You can also try sour cream for a rich taste. Blend in some mustard and vinegar to keep the flavor bright. Adding mashed avocado can also create creaminess. This way, you still achieve the creamy delight without using mayo. This guide covered the main ingredients and cooking steps for Gordon Ramsay's macaroni salad. We explored ways to enhance flavor, made ingredient substitutions for dietary needs, and shared tips to avoid common mistakes. You learned about variations for different diets and how to properly store leftovers. In closing, making this dish is easy and fun. With the right ingredients and techniques, you'll impress everyone. Enjoy your macaroni salad journey!

Gordon Ramsay's Gourmet Macaroni Salad

A refreshing and creamy macaroni salad with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.75 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the drained macaroni to the bowl and stir to combine with the dressing.
  • Fold in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary for flavor.
  • If using, gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy addition.
  • Chill the macaroni salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Serve in a beautiful bowl, garnished with additional parsley and cherry tomatoes on top for a bright, appealing look. Enjoy it chilled!
Keyword gourmet, macaroni salad, side dish