This macaroni salad is a fun and tasty dish packed with pasta, veggies, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a yummy side at dinner!
If you love a bit of crunch, this salad is for you! I always add extra pickles because, why not? They give it that zingy flavor. Just mix, chill, and enjoy! 🥗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic choice for macaroni salad, but you can swap it out for any short pasta like rotini or farfalle. Just make sure it’s something that holds the dressing well!
Mayonnaise: This is crucial for creaminess. If you’re looking for lighter options, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo works great! I’ve used both depending on my mood.
Sour Cream: It adds tang. If you need a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based sour cream or just skip it and increase the mayonnaise a bit. It still works well!
Red Bell Pepper: This adds sweetness and color. Feel free to use yellow or orange bell peppers instead. If you want a kick, try jalapeños.
Pimento or Roasted Red Peppers: If you can’t find these, diced pickles or olives can brightly flavor the dish. Personally, I love adding some chopped pickles for a zing.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly for Salad?
Cooking pasta perfectly for macaroni salad is key to getting everything right. Overcooked pasta can lead to a mushy salad. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Boil a large pot of salted water. This helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until it says “al dente,” usually just a minute or two under fully cooked.
- Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta down quickly.
- Let it sit until completely cool before adding it to the salad dressing.
This method will ensure your pasta has the right bite and texture in the salad!
How to Make Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pimento or roasted red peppers, chopped
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This macaroni salad requires about 20 minutes of preparation time plus at least 1 hour in the fridge for chilling. So, in total, plan on spending around 1 hour and 20 minutes before you can enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, which is usually about 8 to 10 minutes. After it’s cooked, drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water. This will help cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool while you prepare the dressing.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Next, add in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use a whisk or a spatula to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Combine the Macaroni and Dressing:
Once your macaroni has cooled completely, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir it up to coat all the pasta evenly. This will be the base of your flavorful salad!
4. Add the Veggies:
Now it’s time to fold in some crunch! Add the finely diced red bell pepper, chopped celery, red onion, and the pimento or roasted red peppers to the macaroni mixture. Mix gently until all the colorful ingredients are well combined throughout the salad.
5. Chill Out:
Give your salad a taste, and if it needs more seasoning, sprinkle in a bit more salt and pepper. Once it’s to your liking, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows all those tasty flavors to blend together nicely.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge and garnish it with the sliced green onions. Serve it chilled as a tasty side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or any gathering. Enjoy your delicious macaroni salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with any short pasta, such as shells, fusilli, or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to ensure it’s cooked al dente!
How to Make This Macaroni Salad Healthier?
For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also add more veggies like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and crunch. Just remember that you’ll need to adjust the seasoning since Greek yogurt can be tangier!
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, this macaroni salad is great for make-ahead meals! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might need to add a bit of extra mayo or yogurt before serving to refresh it.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Macaroni Salad?
Leftover macaroni salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it chilled to maintain its freshness. If it looks a bit dry after a couple of days, just stir in a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream to bring it back to life!
