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Creamy Gordon Ramsay Macaroni Salad Recipe Easy Fresh Crunch

creamy gordon ramsay macaroni salad - featured image

A quick and easy macaroni salad featuring a creamy yet crunchy texture with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing inspired by Gordon Ramsay.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) macaroni pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 medium celery stalks, finely diced
  • 1 small red onion, minced (soaked in cold water if desired)
  • 3 medium dill pickles, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Let drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, blend together mayonnaise, cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a blender or food processor until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The texture should be creamy and spreadable, not runny.
  3. Finely dice celery stalks, red onion, and dill pickles. If onion is too sharp, soak in cold water for 5 minutes and drain before adding. Chop fresh parsley finely.
  4. In a large bowl, toss cooked macaroni with chopped vegetables and parsley. Pour dressing over and gently fold until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
  5. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. The salad tastes even better the next day. Before serving, give a gentle stir and add a final sprinkle of freshly ground pepper.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to keep it firm and prevent mushiness. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Blend cottage cheese thoroughly for a smooth dressing. Soak red onion in cold water if you want to reduce sharpness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor. Variations include adding bell peppers, shredded carrots, peas, or substituting with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower for low-carb. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and substitute cottage cheese with vegan cream cheese or mashed avocado.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, Gordon Ramsay recipe, pasta salad, easy salad, quick dinner, potluck recipe, crunchy salad