Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad Recipe

This Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is everything you want in a classic American side dish—creamy, tangy, a little bit sweet, and absolutely packed with colorful, crunchy veggies. If you’re looking for serious crowd-pleaser energy at your next potluck or backyard barbecue, this is the recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe card!). With just the right balance of flavors and textures, it brings together all the nostalgia of picnic food with a signature twist that screams “welcome to Flavortown!”

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is its approachable ingredient list—each item is easy to find but absolutely essential for the medley of flavors and textures. Every ingredient plays its own special role, whether it’s bringing crunch, brightness, creaminess, or that subtle tang that makes this salad unforgettable.

• Elbow macaroni (1 pound): These perfectly shaped noodles are the foundation, soaking up all that creamy dressing for each flavorful bite.
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy backbone of the salad; it’s what gives every spoonful its luscious, silky feel.
• Dijon mustard (1/4 cup): Adds a punchy tang and depth, keeping things interesting with a touch of heat.
• Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): A bright splash to cut through the richness and wake up all the flavors.
• Sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough sweetness to balance everything out—don’t skip it!
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential to highlight all the flavors; taste and adjust as needed.
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a little zip and rounds out the dressing.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a mellow hint of garlic that’s cozy but not overpowering.
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle but important! It works in tandem with the other spices for full-bodied flavor.
• Red bell pepper, finely diced (1/2 cup): Delivers gorgeous color and a fresh, juicy crunch in every bite.
• Celery, finely diced (1/2 cup): For that unmistakable bite and crispness that cuts through the creaminess.
• Green onions, chopped (1/4 cup): Sprinkle in for a gentle onion bite and a burst of bright green.
• Sweet pickle relish (1/4 cup): A must for that sweet-and-tangy pop—it’s the secret weapon here.
• Hard-boiled egg, chopped (1, optional): Adds a little extra richness and heft, but it’s totally up to you.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): A simple, colorful garnish to finish things off with fresh flavor.

How to Make Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by boiling the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions—make sure to cook them just al dente so they hold up in the salad. Once cooked, drain the noodles and immediately rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and ensures the pasta is perfectly chilled, ideal for tossing with the dressing later. The colder the noodles, the better your Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad will taste!

Step 2: Whisk Up That Dreamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until silky smooth and well-blended. This is the heart of the salad—a flavorful, creamy dressing that coats every piece of macaroni and veg. Taste it at this point; you should have just the right balance of tang, sweetness, and savory notes.

Step 3: Toss the Macaroni in the Dressing

Add your cooled macaroni right into the bowl with the dressing. Use a big spoon or spatula to gently fold and coat every noodle, ensuring the creamy mixture seeps into all the nooks and crannies. Take your time with this part—the creamier, the better!

Step 4: Load Up on the Crunchy Veggies

Now’s the time to stir in all that fresh goodness: red bell pepper, celery, green onions, sweet pickle relish, and—if you’re feeling it—a chopped hard-boiled egg. Toss everything together until all the veggies and egg are evenly distributed, peeking out from between the macaroni for a super inviting, colorful salad.

Step 5: Taste and Tweak the Flavor

Give the salad a quick taste. Does it need a little more salt or pepper? Adjust as needed—this is your moment to make the dish perfectly yours and dial up that classic Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad flavor.

Step 6: Chill for Maximum Flavor

Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a tight lid and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours. Letting it chill allows all the flavors to meld together, turning a good salad into a truly unforgettable one. If you can wait overnight, it’s even better!

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

Right before serving, sprinkle the finished salad with fresh parsley if you’d like a pop of green and a little herbal lift. That final flourish makes your Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad look as delicious as it tastes!

How to Serve Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad

Garnishes

Garnishing your salad is the easiest way to turn a homey dish into something company-worthy. A handful of freshly chopped parsley, a dusting of paprika, or even a few extra slices of green onion can go a long way. These little details not only boost the visual appeal but add freshness and flavor right before you dig in.

Side Dishes

This classic dish fits perfectly into any feast, big or small. Pair Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad with barbecue favorites like ribs or pulled pork, fresh-off-the-grill burgers, crispy fried chicken, or a simple sandwich buffet. Don’t forget a platter of juicy watermelon or grilled corn on the cob to complete that summer spread!

Creative Ways to Present

Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad isn’t just for bowls and buffets! Try spooning it into mason jars for picnics, piling it high in lettuce cups for a lighter bite, or using it as the ultimate topping for a loaded baked potato. Serve it family-style in a huge, colorful bowl, or go individual for an elevated party vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store your Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days, and some say it tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had extra time to mingle.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as creamy dressings and crisp veggies don’t always love being thawed. The texture can become watery or mushy, so enjoy it fresh or within a few days for the best results.

Reheating

This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat—just stir and dive in! If the salad looks a little dry after being chilled, simply mix in a spoonful of fresh mayonnaise to bring back its creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, preparing it a day in advance lets the flavors meld beautifully, making the salad taste even richer and more harmonious. Just give it a good stir before serving.

What if I don’t have sweet pickle relish?

No worries! You can finely chop some bread and butter pickles or use dill pickle relish for a tangier spin. The sweet relish is classic, but substitutions keep your salad delicious and personalized.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You bet! Swap in low-fat or Greek yogurt for part of the mayo, or even use light mayonnaise. It will still be creamy and flavorful, just with a little less richness.

Can I add extra veggies?

Yes, feel free to experiment! Chopped carrots, diced cucumbers, or even a handful of frozen peas can add even more crunch and color to your version of Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad.

What’s the best way to transport this to a picnic or potluck?

Pack the salad in a large, sealed container, and keep it chilled with ice packs or inside a cooler until you’re ready to serve. For extra pizzazz on arrival, add the parsley garnish right before setting out the bowl!

Final Thoughts

I couldn’t be more excited for you to try Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad for yourself. It’s a dish that turns any gathering into a celebration and brings everyone back for one more scoop. Get creative, tweak it to your taste, and most importantly—enjoy every creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed bite!

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