Guy Fieri’s Rockin’ Macaroni Salad Recipe

Introduction

Guy Fieri’s Rockin’ Macaroni Salad is a flavorful twist on a classic picnic favorite. Packed with fresh veggies, tangy pickles, and a smoky, creamy dressing, this salad is perfect for potlucks or a tasty side at any meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cups elbow macaroni
• 0.5 cups mayonnaise
• 0.5 cups sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 cups red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 0.5 cups green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 0.5 cups red onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cups celery, diced
• 0.25 cups dill pickles, diced
• 0.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cups green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together until well blended.
3. Step 3: Add the finely chopped red and green bell peppers, red onion, celery, and dill pickles to the dressing mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Incorporate the cooled macaroni into the mixture and mix until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently to distribute.
6. Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
7. Step 7: Cover and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together.
8. Step 8: Give it a final stir before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
• Try swapping cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, tangier taste.
• Make ahead and refrigerate overnight to enhance the flavors even more.

Storage

Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and should be kept cold to maintain freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or penne, which hold the dressing well.

Is this macaroni salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge and makes a convenient, flavorful side to pack for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Guy Fieri’s Rockin’ Macaroni Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 118 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Guy Fieri’s Rockin’ Macaroni Salad is a vibrant and creamy side dish featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed in a zesty dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Loaded with colorful red and green bell peppers, red onion, celery, and dill pickles, and enriched with sharp cheddar cheese and bold seasonings like garlic powder and smoked paprika, this salad is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or as a flavorful addition to any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 3 cups elbow macaroni

Dressing

• 0.5 cups mayonnaise
• 0.5 cups sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Vegetables and Add-ins

• 0.5 cups red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 0.5 cups green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 0.5 cups red onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cups celery, diced
• 0.25 cups dill pickles, diced
• 0.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cups green onions, sliced

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
3. Add Vegetables: To the dressing mixture, add the finely chopped red and green bell peppers, red onion, celery, and diced dill pickles. Stir everything together thoroughly to evenly distribute the veggies.
4. Combine Pasta and Dressing: Add the cooled elbow macaroni to the bowl with the dressing and vegetables, mixing carefully until the pasta is fully coated with the dressing.
5. Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently to ensure these flavors are spread throughout the salad.
6. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference, adjusting to enhance the overall taste of the salad.
7. Chill: Cover the macaroni salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
8. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir to re-distribute any settled ingredients and enjoy this savory, flavorful dish.

Notes

• For best texture, cook the macaroni until just al dente to avoid a mushy salad.
• You can customize the vegetables to your preference or add extras like chopped hard-boiled eggs for variation.
• Make the salad a few hours ahead or the night before to allow the flavors to develop fully.
• Adjust acidity with more apple cider vinegar or mustard if you prefer a tangier dressing.
• This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Guy Fieri, macaroni salad, creamy pasta salad, picnic side dish, summer salads, barbecue side dish