Bold Flavorful Macaroni Salad

This hearty macaroni salad is my go-to crowd-pleaser that brings Guy Fieri's signature bold flavors right to your table. The combination of crunchy vegetables, tender pasta, and a kickin' dressing creates the perfect balance that elevates this classic far beyond your standard picnic fare.

I first made this for a neighborhood cookout last summer, and now it's the only thing my brother-in-law requests when he visits. Even my picky nephew who "hates vegetables" devours this without complaint!

Ingredients

For the Salad

• Elbow macaroni or small pasta shells 1 lb: the foundation of our salad that soaks up all the amazing flavors. Look for quality pasta that holds its shape when cooked
• Carrots 1 cup: adds natural sweetness and beautiful color. Choose firm, bright orange carrots for the best flavor
• Celery 1 cup: provides essential crunch and a fresh, clean flavor. Look for crisp stalks with bright green color
• Red bell pepper 1 small: brings vibrant color and sweet crunch. Select peppers that feel heavy for their size with glossy skin
• Red onion ½ cup: delivers a sharp bite that balances the creamy dressing. Choose firm onions with dry papery skins
• Sweet pickle relish ½ cup: the secret ingredient that adds tanginess and complexity. Get a good quality brand for best results
• Chopped parsley ¼ cup: optional garnish that adds fresh color and a hint of herbal flavor

For the Dressing

• Mayonnaise 1 cup: creates the creamy base. Use real mayonnaise not the whipped stuff for proper consistency
• Sour cream ¼ cup: adds tanginess and richness. Full fat works best for maximum creaminess
• Dijon mustard 2 tbsp: provides essential zing and depth. The authentic Dijon variety has the best flavor profile
• Apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp: brightens everything with acidity. Unfiltered varieties offer more complex flavor
• Granulated sugar 1 tsp: balances the acidity perfectly. Just enough to take the edge off without making it sweet
• Paprika ½ tsp: adds subtle warmth and beautiful color. Spanish paprika has the most aromatic quality
• Garlic powder ½ tsp: infuses the dressing with savory notes. Look for fresh powder that hasn't been sitting in your cabinet for years
• Onion powder ½ tsp: provides aromatic depth without sharp raw onion flavor
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: essential seasoning that brings everything together. Always taste and adjust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil:

The water should taste like the sea to properly season the pasta from within. Add the macaroni and cook precisely according to package directions until al dente typically 7 to 9 minutes. Test by biting a piece it should have slight resistance in the center but no crunch. Immediately drain the pasta into a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water until completely cool. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch that would make your salad gummy. Shake the colander well to remove excess water before transferring pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Prep the Vegetables

Take your time to create uniform small pieces for consistent texture throughout the salad:

Dice the celery into pieces about ¼ inch in size, cutting along the natural curve of the stalk. For the red bell pepper, remove the core and seeds then dice into pieces similar in size to the celery. The red onion should be finely diced slightly smaller than the other vegetables to avoid overwhelming bites. For the carrots, either shred them using the large holes of a box grater or finely dice them by hand. Add all chopped vegetables along with the sweet pickle relish to the bowl with the cooled pasta. The variety of textures is what makes this salad special.

Make the Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise and sour cream first:

Whisk until completely smooth and no streaks remain. Add the Dijon mustard and continue whisking until fully incorporated. The mixture should have a pale yellow color. Pour in the apple cider vinegar while whisking continuously to prevent separation. Sprinkle in the sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, continuing to whisk until all specks of seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, starting with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed the flavors should be bold as they will mellow when mixed with the pasta.

Combine

Pour approximately three quarters of the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture:

Using a large rubber spatula, fold everything together with gentle but thorough motions, scooping from the bottom of the bowl to ensure even distribution. Continue folding until every piece of pasta is coated with dressing and the vegetables are well distributed throughout. If the mixture seems dry, add more dressing until you reach your desired consistency. Some people prefer a creamier salad, while others like it less saucy. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the salad to prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours the longer it sits, the more the flavors will develop and meld together.

Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute any dressing that may have settled:

If the salad seems a bit dry after chilling, you can add a splash of milk or a tablespoon of mayonnaise to revive the creaminess. Sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley, distributing it evenly for a pop of bright green color and fresh flavor. This adds both visual appeal and a subtle herbal note that complements the rich dressing. Serve the salad well chilled in a decorative bowl for maximum impact at your gathering.

The sweet pickle relish is truly the unsung hero of this recipe. My grandmother always added it to her macaroni salad, and I was thrilled to see Guy embraces this classic addition too. Last Fourth of July, my uncle who claims to hate pickles of any kind had three helpings and asked for the recipe!

Storage Tips

This macaroni salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after the first day as everything has time to meld together. If you notice the salad drying out slightly after a day or two in the refrigerator, simply stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to revive the creaminess. Just be sure to always keep it chilled, especially when serving outdoors in warm weather. Never leave it sitting out for more than two hours at room temperature for food safety reasons.

Customization Options

While Guy's recipe is fantastic as written, you can easily put your own spin on it. For a protein boost, add diced ham, crispy bacon bits, or chunks of rotisserie chicken. If you love eggs in your macaroni salad, fold in 2-3 chopped hard-boiled eggs. For a southwestern twist, add a can of drained black beans, corn kernels, and a dash of cumin. Cheese lovers might appreciate a half cup of sharp cheddar cubes or crumbled feta mixed in just before serving. Remember that any additions should be cut to approximately the same size as your other ingredients for the best eating experience.

Serving Suggestions

This macaroni salad shines as part of a classic cookout spread alongside smoky barbecued ribs, grilled chicken, or juicy burgers. For a complete picnic, pair it with baked beans, corn on the cob, and watermelon wedges. If you want to create a salad buffet, serve this alongside a green salad, potato salad, and a fruit salad for a colorful spread that offers something for everyone. I like to serve it in a large bowl with serving spoons on both sides of the table so guests can easily help themselves without waiting for the spoon to make its way around.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make Guy Fieri's macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, this macaroni salad actually improves with time! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

→ What can I substitute for sweet pickle relish?

If you don't have sweet pickle relish, you can finely dice sweet pickles or use dill pickle relish for a tangier flavor. Alternatively, chopped green olives or a tablespoon of sweet pickle juice added to the dressing can provide a similar flavor profile.

→ How long does Guy Fieri's macaroni salad stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this macaroni salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days. However, for the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to consume it within 2 days of preparation.

→ Can I use different pasta shapes for this salad?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small shells, rotini, farfalle (bow ties), or even small penne work wonderfully in this salad. Just be sure to cook them al dente since they'll absorb some moisture from the dressing.

→ How can I make this macaroni salad spicier?

To add some heat in true Guy Fieri fashion, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the dressing. You could also add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch!

→ Is there a way to make this macaroni salad lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for all or part of the mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also increase the ratio of vegetables to pasta and reduce the amount of dressing for a fresher, less creamy version.