Description

Classic creamy macaroni salad featuring tender macaroni noodles mixed with crisp sweet gherkins, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and hard boiled eggs, all tossed in a tangy, flavorful dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and a blend of zesty seasonings. Perfect as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

8 oz dry macaroni noodles (227g)
½ cup finely diced sweet gherkins (about 4–6 sweet gherkins, 80g)
¾ cup finely diced red bell pepper (about ½ pepper, 100g)
⅓ cup thinly sliced celery (1–2 stalks, 55g)
⅓ cup finely diced red onion (45g)
2 large hard boiled eggs, finely diced

Dressing Ingredients

¾ cup mayonnaise (175g, preferably olive oil mayo)
¼ cup sour cream (70g)
2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Instructions

Cook Macaroni Noodles: Prepare macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Drizzle with one teaspoon of olive oil and gently stir to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked macaroni noodles, finely diced sweet gherkins, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and diced hard boiled eggs until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the dressing.
Prepare the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, sweet pickle juice, granulated sugar, dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper (if using). Ensure the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Chill for Flavor: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. Enjoy chilled as a delicious side dish.

Notes

For best results, refrigerate the salad for several hours or overnight to deepen the flavors.
This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it convenient for gatherings.
Using olive oil mayonnaise adds a lighter, healthier flavor profile to the dressing.
Customize the salad by adding diced cucumbers or shredded carrots if desired.
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper slightly or add a dash of hot sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: macaroni salad, creamy pasta salad, picnic side dish, mayonnaise salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, classic macaroni salad