Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad: A Bold and Flavorful Classic
Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is a vibrant and zesty dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this classic recipe is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just a simple weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- This recipe can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for busy days or meal prep.
- The versatility of this macaroni salad allows for easy customization to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Salad:
- Elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
- Carrots, shredded or finely chopped
- Celery, finely chopped
- Small red bell pepper, finely diced
- Red onion, finely diced
- Sweet pickle relish
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Granulated sugar
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, carrots, celery, bell pepper, red onion, and pickle relish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Helpful Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dressing.
- Add diced ham or chicken for a protein boost.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly chopped vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more vinegar for acidity or sugar for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions:
Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad pairs perfectly with grilled burgers, BBQ chicken, or a refreshing glass of lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To keep the salad fresh, store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving. If the salad seems dry, add a little more dressing to moisten it up.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance for even better flavor.
- Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies like cucumbers or peas.
- How long will this salad stay fresh?
- Properly stored, this salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Can I make this salad dairy-free?
- You can substitute dairy-free alternatives like vegan mayonnaise and yogurt for the dressing.
Conclusion:
Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is a classic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out for you! Enjoy!
PrintGuy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad: A Bold and Flavorful Classic
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is a bold and flavorful classic dish that combines creamy mayonnaise dressing with crunchy vegetables and tender pasta. It is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
- 1 cup carrots, shredded or finely chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine carrots, celery, bell pepper, red onion, and pickle relish.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Mix the cooked pasta with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can add cooked and chopped chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise or sour cream to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg