Description
Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is a vibrant and creamy side dish featuring al dente elbow macaroni tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet mayonnaise-based dressing with crunchy fresh vegetables and bright herbs. This classic American comfort food recipe is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any gathering, offering a satisfying balance of textures and bold flavors inspired by the iconic chef Guy Fieri.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, granulated sugar, salt, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss pasta with dressing: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Fold in the sweet pickle relish, shredded carrots, finely chopped red bell pepper, chopped celery, and fresh parsley. Mix well to distribute the vegetables evenly throughout the salad.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and develop a harmonious taste.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish that pairs well with grilled meats and other summer favorites.
Notes
- Cook macaroni to al dente to avoid a mushy texture in the salad.
- Rinsing pasta after cooking stops the cooking process and prevents clumping.
- Customize the vegetables by adding diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or green peas for variety.
- Add diced cooked chicken, ham, boiled eggs, or canned tuna to turn this into a protein-rich main dish.
- Try fresh herbs like dill or chives instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt without compromising creaminess.
- Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Guy Fieri, macaroni salad, pasta salad, picnic recipes, barbecue side dish, American comfort food, creamy salad, elbow macaroni
