When it comes to summer cookouts and potlucks, no dish captures the spirit of flavor and fun quite like Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad. This creamy, tangy, and crunchy creation is a testament to the celebrity chef’s love for bold tastes and unapologetic indulgence. With its perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory notes, this macaroni salad is sure to be the star of any spread.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad
To bring Guy Fieri’s signature flair to your kitchen, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook Pasta
Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water until it’s cooked al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the cooled macaroni aside.
Make Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Add Veggies
Stir in the diced red onion, celery, red bell pepper, and chopped fresh parsley into the dressing, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Combine with Pasta
Finally, add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and gently mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the pasta is fully coated in the flavorful dressing.
Chill and Serve
Cover the macaroni salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, grab a big spoon and dish up this bold and delicious creation!

Flavor Profile and Texture
Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is a symphony of creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements that come together in perfect harmony. The rich mayonnaise and sour cream dressing provides a luxurious backdrop, while the Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar add a zesty punch. The diced onions, celery, and bell peppers contribute a refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess, and the fresh parsley brings a lively, herbal note to the mix.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or bringing a dish to a potluck, this macaroni salad is sure to impress. Its bold, unapologetic flavors and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a summertime staple that’ll have your guests coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Serving Suggestions
Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, burgers, and hot dogs. Serve it alongside juicy barbecue chicken, tender pork chops, or sizzling burgers for a truly satisfying and well-rounded meal. It also makes a fantastic side dish for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings, where its creamy texture and vibrant flavors can shine.
Variations on Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad
Add Protein
For a heartier take on the classic, try adding shredded chicken, diced ham, or flaked tuna to the mix. These protein-packed ingredients will transform the salad into a main dish that’s sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
Vegetable Variations
While the original recipe calls for a blend of red onion, celery, and red bell pepper, you can easily switch up the veggies to suit your taste. Try swapping in diced carrots, sweet corn, or even shredded cabbage for a crunchy twist.
Different Dressings
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different dressings beyond the classic mayonnaise-based one. A creamy ranch or a tangy vinaigrette can also make a delicious macaroni salad that’s uniquely your own.
FAQs about Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad
Does macaroni salad spoil easily?
Macaroni salad, like any mayonnaise-based dish, can spoil more quickly than other salads. It’s important to keep it chilled and consume it within 3-5 days of making it. If the salad has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it’s best to discard it.
How long can macaroni salad sit outside?
Macaroni salad should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the temperature is above 90°F, it should not be left out for more than 1 hour. To ensure food safety, always keep macaroni salad chilled until ready to serve.
Should pasta salad be served cold or at room temperature?
Pasta salads, including Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad, are best served chilled. The cold temperature helps to keep the mayonnaise-based dressing fresh and firm, and it also enhances the crunchy texture of the vegetables. If served at room temperature, the salad may become too soft and the flavors may become muted.
Where did macaroni salad originate?
Macaroni salad has its roots in traditional American picnic and potluck dishes, with influences from Italian pasta salads and classic American mayonnaise-based salads. While the exact origins are unclear, macaroni salad has been a beloved summertime staple in the United States for generations.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine with Garlic Cajun Butter
- Cowboy Caviar
- Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
Conclusion
Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is a true summertime showstopper that captures the bold, unapologetic flavors the celebrity chef is known for. With its creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to be the talk of any backyard bash or potluck gathering. So, grab a spoon and dive into the bold and delicious world of Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad!
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Discover the Bold Flavors in Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and crunchy dish that captures the spirit of flavor and fun. With its perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory notes, this macaroni salad is sure to be the star of any spread.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water until it’s cooked al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the cooled macaroni aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the diced red onion, celery, red bell pepper, and chopped fresh parsley into the dressing, making sure everything is evenly coated.
4. Finally, add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and gently mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the pasta is fully coated in the flavorful dressing.
5. Cover the macaroni salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, grab a big spoon and dish up this bold and delicious creation!
Notes
Macaroni salad can spoil more quickly than other salads. It’s important to keep it chilled and consume it within 3-5 days of making it. If the salad has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it’s best to discard it.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg