Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is a colorful and tasty dish filled with chunky veggies and creamy dressing. It’s perfect for picnics or BBQs, bringing sunshine to your plate!
I love how you can mix and match ingredients to make it your own. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—a perfect side dish that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: Standard and easy to find, elbow macaroni gives that classic salad shape. You can swap it out for any small pasta like shells or fusilli if you prefer something different.
Mayonnaise: Essential for creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well. Just keep in mind it may change the flavor a bit!
Sour Cream: Adds a bit of tang. You could replace it with more mayonnaise or use plain yogurt for a lighter twist.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice flavor kick. If you don’t have any, yellow mustard can do in a pinch, but it’ll be milder.
Vegetables: Celery, bell pepper, red onion, and green onion give crunch and color. Feel free to mix it up with veggies like cucumber or carrots if you’d like to add your favorites!
How Do I Make Sure My Macaroni Salad Isn’t Mushy?
To get the perfect texture for your macaroni salad, cooking the pasta properly is key. It’s important to cook the macaroni until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Here’s how to do that:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni.
- Follow the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Start checking for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time. You want it tender but firm!
- Once done, drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
This simple trick will help keep your pasta from turning mushy in the salad!
How to Make Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup green onion, sliced
- ½ cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty macaroni salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to cook the macaroni and mix everything together. After that, let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend. So, set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Macaroni:
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Aim for it to be al dente, which means it should be cooked but still a bit firm. Once done, drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This also stops the cooking process!
2. Making the Dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is what will give your salad its delicious flavor!
3. Adding the Veggies:
Now, add in the diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, green onion, and sweet pickle relish to the bowl with your mayo mixture. Stir everything together until it’s nicely combined.
4. Sweetening and Seasoning:
Next, stir in the sugar and add salt and pepper to taste. This little bit of sugar balances out the flavors beautifully! Make sure to mix everything well.
5. Combining with the Macaroni:
Fold in your cooled macaroni gently until it’s well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the macaroni; you want to keep those nice shapes!
6. Chilling:
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour. This resting time lets all the yummy flavors come together.
7. Serving:
Once it’s chilled, give the salad a good stir before serving. Serve it cold and enjoy your delightful macaroni salad, perfect for picnics or barbecues!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as shells, rotini, or penne. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before combining it with the dressing.
Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives. Look for vegan mayo and coconut or almond-based sour cream for a creamy texture without the dairy.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen, but the salad may become a bit thicker, so feel free to stir in a splash of mayonnaise when serving if it needs a little loosening up!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding more crunch or color. Chopped cucumbers, carrots, or even sweet corn work well. Just remember to keep similar sizes for consistent bites!
