Dinner

Guy Fieri Macaroni Salad Recipe

ByVictor Layne December 13, 2025December 13, 2025

Introduction

Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and delicious twist on a classic side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this salad packs big flavor and a satisfying texture.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with creamy macaroni salad, showing three main layers: small pasta pieces coated in a thick white dressing, chopped celery chunks with a fresh light green color mixed evenly throughout, and dark red pepper flakes sprinkled on top adding specks of color and texture. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. The photo is taken from an angle that highlights the creamy texture and mix of ingredients with a blurred light background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise (plus extra for creaminess if desired)
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
Paprika, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Drain well.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, chopped celery, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the drained macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat every piece of pasta evenly.
Step 4: If using, fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs. Mix gently to combine.
Step 5: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour. For best flavor, chill a few hours or overnight to let flavors meld.
Step 6: Before serving, stir the salad gently, taste, and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle a little paprika on top for color and serve cold.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add an additional tablespoon or two of mayonnaise.
If you prefer less sweetness, substitute sweet pickle relish with finely chopped dill pickles and adjust sugar or vinegar accordingly.
Add diced red or green bell peppers or peas for a pop of color and crunch.
Include chopped ham or cooked chicken to make the salad more filling.

Storage

Store your Guy Fieri macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days. The salad may thicken after chilling; just give it a good stir before serving. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or a bit more mayonnaise to loosen it up.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy macaroni salad, showing about two layers of elbow macaroni coated in a thick, pale white dressing with small black pepper specks scattered throughout. Mixed in are chunks of fresh, light green celery, cut into small, rough cubes, adding a crisp texture and color contrast. The salad looks rich and well-mixed, sitting on a white marbled texture surface with two blurred clear glasses in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this Guy Fieri macaroni salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it at least an hour ahead helps the flavors meld, but chilling it a few hours or overnight results in the best, most delicious taste.

What are some good variations for this macaroni salad?

You can customize the salad by adding diced red bell pepper, sweet peas, or chopped ham or chicken for extra texture and flavor. Adding hard-boiled eggs is a classic addition, but feel free to get creative!