Meet your new crowd-pleasing summer classic: Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad! Bright, creamy, and bursting with bold flavor, this dish nails that unbeatable balance between tangy, sweet, and savory. Perfectly cooked macaroni gets swirled in a zesty dressing, then dressed up with crisp veggies and a hint of pickle relish. Whether you’re firing up the grill, heading out for a picnic, or just need a dynamite side for dinner, this is the macaroni salad you’ll turn to again and again!

Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad lies in the simplicity of each ingredient—every bite delivers a pop of flavor, crunch, or creaminess that just works. These essentials come together to create a salad that’s comforting yet absolutely crave-worthy.

Elbow macaroni (1 pound): The backbone of the salad—be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well in the creamy dressing.

Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Provides that luscious, classic creaminess and ties all the flavors together.
Dijon mustard (1/4 cup): Brings a gentle heat and a touch of complexity that wakes up the whole salad.

Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
Sugar (2 tablespoons): A small amount rounds out the tangy notes and makes the salad beautifully balanced.

Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every single component—taste as you go!
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just enough pep without overwhelming the other flavors.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle, mellow garlic vibe that really shines in cold salads.

Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Invites just the right amount of savory onion flavor into every forkful.
Red bell pepper, finely diced (1/2 cup): Contributes sweetness, crunch, and gorgeous color.
Celery, finely diced (1/2 cup): Offers an undeniable crispness—so satisfying in each bite.

Green onions, chopped (1/4 cup): Brings a fresh, mild onion zing without being overpowering.
Sweet pickle relish (1/4 cup): This little touch of sweetness and tang takes the salad to the next level.
Hard-boiled egg, chopped (1, optional): Boosts the salad’s creaminess and adds satisfying richness—totally up to you!

Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkled on top just before serving, it adds lively color and freshness.

How to Make Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Macaroni

Start by boiling your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. You want each piece to have a little bite left, so it won’t turn mushy after mixing. Once it’s cooked through, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta down quickly. This step ensures your Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is light and never sticky!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

Grab a large mixing bowl—the roomier, the better. Whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until everything is smooth and looks temptingly silky. This dressing packs all the punchy flavor that makes Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad so unforgettable.

Step 3: Combine Macaroni with the Dressing

Add your cooled macaroni straight into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the noodles in so each piece gets coated in that irresistible, flavorful mixture. The key is to stir lightly to avoid breaking up the pasta while ensuring every bite delivers that creamy-tangy goodness.

Step 4: Add the Veggies and Extras

Now bring in all the beautiful crunch and color: toss in your diced red bell pepper, celery, green onions, and sweet pickle relish. If you love a heartier salad, add in the chopped hard-boiled egg, too. Give everything a gentle mix so it’s all evenly distributed—this is where Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad starts looking like a true showstopper.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Take a little taste and see if it needs an extra sprinkle of salt or black pepper. Everyone likes their salad seasoned just right, so make this step your own. Seasoning at the end just makes those fresh flavors sing!

Step 6: Chill the Salad

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and slide it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This waiting period is totally worth it: chilling allows all those vibrant flavors to meld perfectly, making the salad even more delicious.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top if you’d like. This bright green finish adds a pop of color and freshness, making Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad even more inviting.

How to Serve Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic, but you can get creative! Try a dusting of paprika for a smoky touch, extra green onions for a crisp bite, or even a scattering of finely diced pickles. Not only do these add visual flair, but they also bring a bit more personality to every bowl of Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad.

Side Dishes

Pair Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad with anything from grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, or sticky ribs to veggie skewers and corn on the cob. Its craveable flavor and cool, creamy texture make it the MVP of any cookout spread. Honestly, this salad shines next to just about anything, so let your appetite lead the way!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just stick to basic bowls—Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad loves a little fun! Dish it up in individual mason jars for picnics, or scoop it into lettuce cups for a playful twist. Layered salad towers on a platter or served in colorful ramekins make every serving feel extra special and Instagram-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad stores beautifully. Simply cover your bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed—just know the texture may change slightly. The vegetables may lose some crunch and the dressing could separate a little, so give it a good stir after thawing.

Reheating

Macaroni salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so skip the microwave! If it’s been chilled for a while and seems a bit dry, simply stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of vinegar to revive the creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors get even better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it the day before your gathering for irresistible results.

What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?

Any short-shaped pasta will work: try shells, rotini, or even small penne if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to pick a shape that can hold onto the rich dressing.

Is the hard-boiled egg necessary?

Not at all! It adds a lovely creaminess and a heartier texture, but Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is just as fantastic without it. Perfect for egg-free diets too.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Crunchy cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even peas are great additions that give the salad extra color and texture. Make it your own!

How long does Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad last in the fridge?

Stored properly, it stays fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to fix any separation that may have happened while chilling.

Final Thoughts

If you love a good classic with a bold twist, you owe it to yourself to make Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad this season. Bring it to your next family cookout, serve it at a picnic, or just treat yourself—once you taste that zippy, creamy perfection, you’ll want it in your regular rotation. Give it a try and watch it disappear!

Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This classic macaroni salad recipe from Guy Fieri is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Creamy and flavorful, it’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing. Mix gently to coat evenly.

Add Mix-Ins: Incorporate red bell pepper, celery, green onions, sweet pickle relish, and chopped hard-boiled egg. Mix well.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to meld flavors.

Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
You can customize this recipe by adding in ingredients like diced ham, shredded cheese, or olives.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish

Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 580mg

Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 3g

Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: macaroni salad, Guy Fieri, side dish, barbecue, picnic, potluck