Description

A classic, creamy macaroni salad featuring tender macaroni noodles mixed with crunchy sweet gherkins, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs, all coated in a tangy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing with a hint of dijon mustard and pickle juice for extra flavor. Perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz dry macaroni noodles (227g)

Vegetables & Eggs

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

Dressing

¾ cup mayonnaise (olive oil mayo preferred, 175g)
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: Prepare macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the noodles. Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and gently stir to prevent sticking as the noodles cool.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni noodles, finely diced sweet gherkins, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and diced hard-boiled eggs. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly combined. Set aside.
Prepare Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, sweet pickle juice, granulated sugar, dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper (if using) until smooth and well blended.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad one last gentle stir and enjoy!

Notes

For best texture, be careful not to overcook the macaroni to avoid mushy salad.
Using olive oil mayonnaise adds a lighter flavor and healthier fat option.
Adjust the level of crushed red pepper according to your spice preference or omit entirely.
Chilling the salad for at least an hour enhances the flavor blend and improves overall taste.
This salad can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated, making it ideal for meal prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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