Fieri Macaroni Salad

This Guy Fieri Macaroni Salad is anything but ordinary. Inspired by the flavor-packed personality of the celebrity chef, this pasta salad is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy. With fresh vegetables, a rich mayo-sour cream dressing, and the zing of sweet pickle relish and Dijon mustard, it’s the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight. It’s also super versatile—serve it at cookouts, lunches, or holiday potlucks and watch it disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love Fieri Macaroni Salad

• Bold and creamy dressing made with mayo, sour cream, mustard, and spices
• Crisp fresh veggies add color, texture, and nutrition
• Great for making ahead—flavor improves overnight
• Perfect for any gathering, from BBQs to family dinners
• Easy to customize with add-ins or protein

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
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup sweet pickle relish
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the elbow macaroni or pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Prep the Vegetables

• Finely chop the celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and shred or chop the carrots.
• Add all vegetables along with ½ cup sweet pickle relish to the bowl of cooled pasta.

Make the Dressing

• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together:
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Adjust seasoning after tasting to achieve your perfect flavor balance.

Combine the Salad

• Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture.
• Toss gently to combine, making sure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or preferably overnight, to let flavors develop.

Garnish and Serve

• Before serving, give the salad one final toss to redistribute the dressing.
• Garnish with chopped parsley, if using.
• Serve chilled, alongside grilled favorites or as a standalone side.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente holds up best in creamy dressing.
• Rinse pasta well to stop cooking and reduce clumping.
• Add chopped hard-boiled eggs, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier version.
• Want a tangy twist? Swap sweet relish for dill pickle relish.
• For extra heat, stir in a bit of hot sauce or finely diced jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with burgers, hot dogs, BBQ ribs, or grilled chicken.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
• Great addition to picnic baskets, potlucks, or summer buffets.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Stir well before serving as dressing may settle.
• Do not freeze—the mayo-based dressing will separate.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s even better after a few hours in the fridge.

What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells or rotini work well too.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free mayo and skip the sour cream or substitute with plant-based alternatives.

How do I keep it from getting dry?
Use enough dressing and chill it with a tight lid or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Is it spicy?
Not at all, but you can add heat with hot sauce or spicy mustard.

Conclusion

This Guy Fieri Macaroni Salad is a bold and creamy twist on the classic picnic favorite. Loaded with crisp veggies and a flavorful dressing, it’s the perfect side dish to bring to any cookout or family meal. Make it once, and it just might become your go-to summer salad!

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