Guy Fieri Macaroni Salad: An Easy and Creamy Classic Recipe

Introduction

Guy Fieri’s macaroni salad is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish that’s perfect for barbecues and potlucks. With simple ingredients and a few special touches, it delivers big flavor without any fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 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: 2 or 3 chopped hard-boiled eggs
• Optional: a sprinkle of paprika for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—firm but cooked through.
2. Step 2: Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Let it drain completely.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, chopped celery, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Step 4: Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing mixture and stir gently to coat the pasta fully.
5. Step 5: If using, fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs carefully to maintain their shape.
6. Step 6: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
7. Step 7: Just before serving, sprinkle a little paprika over the top for a pop of color and a mild smoky touch.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer a tangier salad, add a splash more apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance flavors.
• Substitute sweet pickle relish with finely chopped dill pickles for a less sweet, more savory twist—adjust vinegar or sugar as needed.
• Use full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture, or add an extra tablespoon or two of mayo if you want it richer.
• For added texture and flavor, mix in some crumbled bacon or diced bell peppers.

Storage

Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. If the salad thickens in the fridge, you can stir in a little mayonnaise or a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.

How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking together?

Rinsing the cooked macaroni under cold water immediately after draining stops the cooking process and washes away excess starch, which helps keep the pasta pieces separate.

Guy Fieri Macaroni Salad: An Easy and Creamy Classic Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews

This is a classic Guy Fieri-style macaroni salad recipe that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with delightful textures from celery, onion, and optional hard-boiled eggs. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a flavorful side dish, this easy-to-make salad combines al dente elbow macaroni with a rich, tangy dressing featuring mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard. The recipe offers flexibility with optional additions and substitutions, making it a forgiving and crowd-pleasing dish.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Core Macaroni Salad Components

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 cup chopped celery (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow or white onion (finely chopped)
• 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

1. Cook the Macaroni: Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, ensuring pasta is cooked but still slightly firm to the bite.
2. Drain and Rinse: Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together. Let it drain well.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, chopped celery, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully integrated and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained macaroni to the dressing mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all the pasta with the dressing evenly.
5. Add Optional Ingredients: If using, fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs carefully to maintain their texture. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6. Chill and Garnish: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, sprinkle paprika over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Notes

• If you prefer less sweetness, substitute sweet pickle relish with finely chopped dill pickles; adjust sugar or add extra vinegar as needed.
• For a creamier salad, increase the mayonnaise by 1 to 2 tablespoons.
• Make sure to rinse the pasta well after cooking to prevent clumping.
• This salad can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen after resting.
• Add paprika as a garnish for color and mild smokiness.

Keywords: Guy Fieri Macaroni Salad, macaroni salad recipe, creamy macaroni salad, picnic side dish, easy salad, elbow macaroni salad