Description
As summer rolls in, I find myself dreaming of backyard barbecues and family gatherings. One dish that never fails to steal the show is Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad. This vibrant, flavorful salad is not just a side; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and comfort. Perfect for busy moms like us, it’s quick to whip up and can be made ahead of time. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or just want to impress your loved ones at dinner, this macaroni salad is sure to bring smiles and satisfied bellies!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 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
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down and remove excess starch. This prevents clumping. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. Shred the carrots or finely dice them. Add the chopped vegetables and sweet pickle relish to the bowl with the pasta.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste the dressing and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve chilled alongside barbecue favorites like burgers, ribs, or grilled chicken.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- This salad can be made a day in advance for even better flavor.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg