Guy Fieri Macaroni Salad: An Easy, Tangy, and Creamy Classic Recipe
This Guy Fieri Macaroni Salad is a deliciously creamy and tangy pasta salad packed with elbow macaroni, a sweet pickle relish dressing, crunchy celery and onions, and optional chopped hard-boiled eggs. Perfect for parties, picnics, or as a side dish, this recipe combines classic macaroni salad ingredients with a tangy twist and a hint of smoky paprika for a truly amazing flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Core Macaroni Salad Components
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (yellow or white)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Additions
- 2 to 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Sprinkle of paprika (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Fill a large pot with water and add a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, meaning the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Let it drain completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, chopped celery, and chopped onion. Add the apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is creamy and thoroughly combined, ensuring there are no pockets of mustard or relish.
- Combine Pasta and Dressing: Add the well-drained macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat every piece of pasta evenly. If you are using chopped hard-boiled eggs, fold them in now. Mix everything carefully but thoroughly so the eggs stay in chunks, and the salad is well coated.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. For best results, chill for several hours or overnight.
- Final Touches and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle a little paprika on top for a pop of color and subtle smoky flavor. Serve chilled as a side dish for summer parties, barbecues, or picnics.
Notes
- If you prefer, substitute sweet pickle relish with finely chopped dill pickles. Adjust sugar or vinegar accordingly to balance flavors.
- For extra creaminess, add an additional tablespoon or two of mayonnaise.
- Ensure to rinse the cooked macaroni well under cold water to avoid clumping.
- The salad tastes best after chilling for several hours or overnight but is ready to eat after 1 hour.
- Adding hard-boiled eggs is optional but recommended for added texture and flavor.
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