Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad

I’ve always loved recipes that bring back memories of summer cookouts, family gatherings, and casual weekend meals. One of my absolute favorites is Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad. From the first time I tried it, I knew this wasn’t just an ordinary side dish – it’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavors that make every bite unforgettable. What I love most is how it manages to be both comforting and exciting at the same time. Preparing this macaroni salad in my kitchen feels like capturing the essence of a sunny afternoon and turning it into something delicious that everyone can enjoy.

This recipe is perfect for those who want a crowd-pleasing dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, zesty dressing creates a harmony of textures and flavors that is hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a family barbecue, a picnic with friends, or just making a quick meal for yourself, this macaroni salad never disappoints.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust it to suit your taste preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. You can add extra vegetables, swap in different types of cheese, or even include proteins like grilled chicken or turkey bacon for a heartier version. It’s a recipe that easily adapts to different occasions, making it a go-to option for both casual and more formal gatherings.

Affordability is another reason I love making this macaroni salad. The ingredients are simple, widely available, and won’t break the bank. A box of macaroni, a few fresh vegetables, mayonnaise, and seasonings are all you need to create a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end deli.

Ingredients for Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup diced celery

• 1 cup diced red bell pepper

• 1/2 cup diced red onion

• 1/2 cup chopped pickles

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled

• 1/2 cup diced chicken ham

This macaroni salad is not just food; it’s a dish that brings people together, sparks joy, and makes every meal feel like a special occasion.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is straightforward, yet it delivers impressive flavor and texture. I always start by making sure all the ingredients are fresh and ready because organization is key to a smooth cooking process. This macaroni salad is quick and easy to make, even on a busy day, and it can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Be careful not to overcook it because you want the macaroni to maintain its shape and texture in the salad.

2. Drain and cool: Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Cooling the pasta also helps prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing. Set the macaroni aside in a large mixing bowl.

3. Prepare the dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and creamy. The dressing should have a balanced flavor with a subtle tanginess that complements the macaroni and vegetables perfectly.

4. Chop the vegetables: Dice the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion into small, uniform pieces. Chop the pickles finely. Ensuring the vegetables are cut evenly allows each bite of the salad to include a bit of every ingredient, creating a consistent flavor profile throughout.

5. Cook the turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until it is crispy. Remove it from the skillet and let it cool on a paper towel to absorb excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

6. Dice the chicken ham: Cut the chicken ham into small, bite-sized cubes. Using evenly sized pieces helps the ham distribute evenly throughout the salad.

7. Combine ingredients: Add the chopped vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled turkey bacon, and diced chicken ham to the bowl of cooled macaroni. Gently fold the ingredients together with a spatula, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

8. Add the dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni mixture. Using a gentle folding motion, combine the dressing with the macaroni and other ingredients until everything is coated evenly. Make sure not to overmix, as this can break the pasta and make the salad mushy.

9. Chill before serving: Cover the macaroni salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to coat every piece of macaroni thoroughly.

This macaroni salad is incredibly customizable. You can add extra vegetables such as shredded carrots, peas, or even corn. For a creamier texture, add more mayonnaise, or for a tangier bite, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar.

Because of its balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements, this macaroni salad is popular with many people. It’s ideal for summer parties, potlucks, and family meals. Once chilled, it maintains its texture and flavor, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

In under 30 minutes of hands-on preparation, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a professional chef’s kitchen. Every bite is a mix of tender macaroni, crisp vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, savory chicken ham, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tied together with a creamy, tangy dressing that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad

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Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family meals. With tender macaroni, crisp vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, savory chicken ham, and sharp cheddar cheese, it combines flavor and texture in every bite. This recipe is quick, easy, versatile, and budget-friendly, making it a go-to choice for any occasion.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 10
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped pickles
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup diced chicken ham

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse macaroni under cold water. Set aside in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Dice celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. Chop pickles finely.
5. Cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Let cool and crumble.
6. Dice chicken ham into small cubes.
7. Add vegetables, shredded cheddar, turkey bacon, and chicken ham to the macaroni. Gently fold to combine.
8. Pour dressing over macaroni mixture. Fold gently until evenly coated.
9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Customize by adding peas, corn, or shredded carrots.

Adjust creaminess with extra mayonnaise or tanginess with more apple cider vinegar.

Chill before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, this salad actually tastes better when made in advance. Allowing it to chill for at least one hour, or even overnight, helps the flavors meld together and makes the salad creamier.

Q: How long will it stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the macaroni salad will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. Always give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.

Q: Can I substitute ingredients?
A: Absolutely. You can swap vegetables according to your preference, such as adding shredded carrots, peas, or corn. For a creamier version, add more mayonnaise. You can also adjust the tanginess by increasing the apple cider vinegar slightly.

Q: Can I make it healthier?
A: Yes. Using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in place of some mayonnaise can reduce calories while keeping the creamy texture. You can also increase the amount of fresh vegetables to add fiber and nutrients.

Q: Can this recipe be served warm?
A: It is best served chilled or at room temperature. Serving it warm may alter the texture of the pasta and dressing, so chilling is recommended for optimal flavor.