Guy Fieri Macaroni Salad Classic (Printable Version)

Creamy macaroni salad tossed with crunchy vegetables and a tangy, flavorful dressing inspired by Guy Fieri.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 450 g elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
02 - 120 g carrots, shredded or finely chopped
03 - 120 g celery, finely chopped
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
05 - 80 g red onion, finely diced
06 - 120 g sweet pickle relish
07 - 15 g chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

→ Dressing

08 - 240 g mayonnaise
09 - 60 g sour cream
10 - 30 ml Dijon mustard
11 - 30 ml apple cider vinegar
12 - 4 g granulated sugar
13 - 2 g paprika
14 - 2 g garlic powder
15 - 2 g onion powder
16 - Salt, to taste
17 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Boil a large pot of salted water. Add macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
02 - Finely chop celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. Shred or finely dice carrots. Add chopped vegetables and sweet pickle relish to the pasta.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
04 - Pour dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Toss salad once more before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve chilled alongside grilled meats or classic picnic fare.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Refrigerate salad for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance flavor integration.
02 - Cook pasta just to al dente; overcooked pasta may become mushy in the dressing.
03 - Customize by adding diced cucumbers, radishes, jalapeños, or protein such as ham or hard-boiled eggs.