Gordon Ramsay Macaroni Salad Recipe

If you’re anything like me, macaroni salad is a childhood classic that never truly leaves your heart—or your taste buds. But why settle for the standard, bland stuff at picnics when you could whip up something inspired by a culinary legend? You guessed it—Gordon Ramsay’s version packs flavor and flair that’ll make your picnic pals wonder if you actually took a cooking class in France. Spoiler alert: You didn’t. 😜

Let’s dive into this fabulous macaroni salad recipe that even Gordon would approve of, because who doesn’t want a chance to impress their friends (and get some serious kitchen cred)?

Why Gordon Ramsay’s Macaroni Salad?

First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Why choose Gordon Ramsay’s recipe? Well, he’s not just known for his fiery personality and colorful language—he’s also a master at elevating simple dishes into something extraordinary. His macaroni salad is refreshing, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Seriously, if you can boil water, you can make this!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. You don’t need a degree to know that quality matters, especially when it comes to comfort food. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

2 cups elbow macaroni (you could use whole wheat or gluten-free if you’re fancy)
1 cup mayonnaise (the secret to creamy goodness)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (a little kick never hurt anyone)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a touch of tartness)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because why not?)
1/4 teaspoon onion powder (for that subtle depth)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup diced celery (adds crunch)
1 cup diced bell pepper (use a rainbow of colors for some fun)
1/2 cup green onions (or more if you’re feeling wild)
1 cup peas (frozen or fresh work, trust me)

I know what you’re thinking: “Why so many ingredients?” But believe me, each one brings something special to the party. Plus, it’s all super easy to find at your local store. No need to embark on a scavenger hunt in Chinatown for this dish! 🙌

Cooking the Macaroni

The first step in our culinary adventure is cooking the macaroni. This part’s simple.

Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water—enough to cover the macaroni completely—and bring it to a rolling boil.
Add Macaroni: Toss in the elbow macaroni like you’re at a pool party—just don’t dive in!
Cook Until Al Dente: Follow the package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes. You want it cooked, but not mushy.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stir the macaroni occasionally, unless you’re okay with it sticking to the bottom of the pot. And who wants that?

Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Trust me, nobody wants a gummy salad.

Mixing It All Together

Now that your macaroni has cooled, let’s do some mixing!

Mix the Dressing: In a big bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Whisk it all together like you mean it. This dressing is the heart of the salad—don’t skimp on the mixing!
Add the Macaroni: Toss the cooled macaroni into this beautiful dressing, and mix until every noodle is coated. I like to think of this step as giving the macaroni a luxurious spa treatment. 🛁
Fold in the Veggies: Gently fold in the celery, bell pepper, green onions, and peas. You want to maintain some of that crunch—no one likes a mushy veggie.

Chill, Baby!

Here’s the hard part: Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting game allows all those flavors to mingle. Seriously, if flavors could socialize at a party, this would be it.

Final Touches

Before you serve your salad, give it a quick taste test. Do the flavors need a little extra love? More salt? A dash of pepper? You know your taste buds—trust them.

You could even sprinkle some paprika on top for that final flourish. Presentation matters, folks!

Serving It Up

Time to show off your masterpiece! This macaroni salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, or just by itself as a light lunch. You could even bring it to a potluck and bask in the glow of everybody asking for your ‘secret’ recipe.

Storage Tips

If by some miracle there are leftovers (which I highly doubt), you can store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s usually good for about three days. Just know, though, when you pull it out, it might be a tad thicker than you remember—don’t be shy about adding a bit more mayo or some olive oil to loosen it up again!

The Final Verdict

And there you have it—Gordon Ramsay’s macaroni salad done your way! Not only is this dish super easy and delicious, but it also shows off your cooking skills without needing a Michelin star. 🙏

So next time you’re knee-deep in planning a barbecue or picnic, remember this recipe. Trust me, it beats that sad, generic, mayo-slathered goop that shows up way too often.

Final Thoughts

In the grand tapestry of pasta salads, this one is a true MVP. So, what are you waiting for? Don your apron and let’s get cooking! Macaroni salad glory awaits you, and your friends are going to love you for it. Now go out there and serve some deliciousness! 💪

And don’t forget to share the love with fellow foodies. Who’s ready for macaroni salad? I know I am!