Dinner

Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad Recipe

Name: Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish; 1/4 cup shredded carrots; 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

BySarah Summers January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

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Introduction

Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is a vibrant twist on a classic American favorite. Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, this dish combines al dente elbow macaroni with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish any time of year.

A clear glass bowl is filled with macaroni salad, showing about two layers of elbow-shaped pasta coated in a creamy, pale yellow dressing. Scattered throughout are small pieces of red and green vegetables that add specks of color, with red pieces looking like diced bell pepper and green pieces resembling chopped celery or green onion. The macaroni is smooth and lightly glossy from the dressing, which has tiny specks of black pepper or seasoning visible. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a black and white cloth partially underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
Step 4: Fold in the sweet pickle relish, shredded carrots, chopped red bell pepper, celery, and fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Before serving, stir the salad well and taste. Adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

Cook the macaroni to al dente to avoid a mushy texture and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
Try adding diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or green peas for more color and freshness.
For a protein boost, fold in diced cooked chicken, ham, or hard-boiled eggs.
Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or chives if you want a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, stir gently and add a little extra mayonnaise or dressing if it seems dry. This salad is best served chilled and should not be left out at room temperature for prolonged periods.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy macaroni salad served in a clear bowl, featuring small elbow macaroni pasta coated in a light yellow creamy dressing. Mixed throughout the pasta are small chopped pieces of red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and some orange bits that add color contrast. The texture appears smooth and moist with the creamy sauce evenly covering the pasta. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a black-and-white cloth partially visible under the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this macaroni salad in advance?

Yes, preparing the salad a few hours or even the day before allows the flavors to develop fully. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What can I serve with Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad?

This creamy macaroni salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like burgers, hot dogs, ribs, or fried chicken. It also complements seafood dishes such as grilled salmon and is great for picnics or potlucks.