Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is a fun and colorful dish packed with pasta, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks or a summer picnic!
This salad is super easy to make, and I love how it can be enjoyed any time of year. Plus, it’s hard to resist a scoop of this tasty blend on a warm day! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta is perfect for macaroni salad because it holds the dressing well. If you can’t find elbow macaroni, you could use small shells or fusilli for a fun twist!
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise provides creaminess. If you want a lighter salad, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. Some folks add a bit of avocado for a twist!
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a slight tang. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap it for plain yogurt or even buttermilk.
Dijon Mustard: This adds flavor depth. Yellow mustard works too, but it has a different taste. You can also skip it if you want a milder salad.
Celery and Bell Pepper: These veggies add crunch. If you’re not a fan of celery, diced cucumbers are a great replacement for added freshness!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta for Salad?
Cooking pasta al dente is crucial for macaroni salad since you want it to have a bit of bite. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, but taste it a minute before the suggested time.
- Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly.
- Let it cool completely before you mix it with the dressing, so the salad isn’t warm when served.
How to Make Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced pickles or relish
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 1 cup diced cooked ham or bacon bits for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This macaroni salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. In total, about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente (this means it’s cooked but still has a little bite to it). When done, drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool down.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a big mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Using a whisk, mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This will be the creamy dressing for your salad!
3. Combine the Macaroni and Dressing:
Once the macaroni is cool, add it to the dressing mixture in the big bowl. Gently stir everything together, making sure the pasta is completely coated with the dressing.
4. Add the Veggies:
Now it’s time to mix in the veggies! Fold in the diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, pickles or relish, shredded carrots, and chopped parsley. If you want even more flavor, you can stir in the diced ham or bacon bits at this point.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Give your salad a taste and see if it needs more salt, pepper, or dressing. Feel free to adjust the flavors until it’s just right for you!
6. Chill Out:
Cover the macaroni salad tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This helps all the flavors come together.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
After chilling, your macaroni salad is ready to serve! Dish it out in bowls and enjoy this delicious side dish—perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just a tasty meal at home!
## Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad
### Ingredients:
– 1 pound elbow macaroni
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1/2 cup diced pickles or relish
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Optional: 1 cup diced cooked ham or bacon bits for added flavor
### Instructions:
1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well blended and smooth.
3. Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing mixture and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
4. Fold in the diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, pickles or relish, shredded carrots, and chopped parsley. If using, add the diced ham or bacon bits for extra flavor.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or dressing as needed.
6. Cover the macaroni salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy!
### FAQ
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with any pasta shapes you prefer, such as shells or rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente and cool it down before mixing!
How Can I Make This Salad Lower in Calories?
You can lighten up the salad by using Greek yogurt instead of half of the mayonnaise for a creamy texture with fewer calories. You can also reduce the amount of mayonnaise and add more veggies for extra volume without the extra calories!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for prep ahead! You can make it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving, as some liquid may settle at the bottom.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The macaroni salad will keep well for up to 3 days. If the dressing thickens, add a splash of vinegar or a little mayonnaise to loosen it up before serving again!
