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Gordon Ramsay Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Gordon Ramsay's Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy side dish featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni tossed with a zesty mayonnaise and Dijon mustard dressing, complemented by crunchy vegetables and sharp cheddar cheese. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

Dressing and Mix-ins

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped sweet pickle relish
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni, finely chopped red onion, chopped celery, sweet pickle relish, fresh parsley, grated cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture.
  4. Toss Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients until the macaroni is evenly coated with the creamy dressing and all mix-ins are well distributed.
  5. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
  6. Serve: Before serving, gently toss the salad again to redistribute the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then enjoy.

Notes

  • For best flavor, refrigerate the salad overnight rather than just 2 hours.
  • You can substitute old cheddar for a sharper taste or use mild cheddar for a subtler flavor.
  • To make it lighter, use low-fat mayonnaise or a yogurt-based dressing.
  • Add chopped hard-boiled eggs or cooked bacon for extra protein and texture.
  • For a more tangy twist, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the dressing.