Description

This Guy Fieri Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. It features perfectly cooked al dente elbow macaroni mixed with a luscious dressing of mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, and mustard. With the addition of crunchy celery, onions, and optional hard-boiled eggs, this recipe is both comforting and customizable, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni Salad

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
Paprika for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente — tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse well under cold water to halt cooking and prevent sticking. Allow to drain thoroughly.
Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, finely chopped celery and onion, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well incorporated with no clumps.
Combine salad: Add the drained macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated. If using, fold in chopped hard-boiled eggs carefully to avoid mashing them.
Chill the salad: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together; longer chilling up to overnight enhances the taste.
Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or apple cider vinegar if needed. Optionally, sprinkle a dusting of paprika on top for color and a subtle smoky flavor. Serve cold and enjoy!

Notes

If you prefer a less sweet salad, substitute sweet pickle relish with finely chopped dill pickles and adjust sugar or vinegar accordingly.
For a creamier salad, add an extra tablespoon or two of mayonnaise.
Optional add-ins include finely diced red or green bell peppers, sweet peas, or chopped ham or chicken for a heartier version.
This salad can be made ahead of time and tastes best after chilling for several hours or overnight.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Stir well before serving, and add a splash of milk or mayonnaise if the salad thickens.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Guy Fieri Macaroni Salad, macaroni salad recipe, creamy pasta salad, picnic side dish, barbecue side dish