Description
Guy Fieri’s Rockin’ Macaroni Salad is a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic picnic side dish. This creamy macaroni salad combines al dente elbow macaroni with a tangy, smoky dressing and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables and sharp cheddar cheese, making it a perfect companion for barbecues and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 3 cups elbow macaroni
Dressing
- 0.5 cups mayonnaise
- 0.5 cups sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Cheese
- 0.5 cups red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 0.5 cups green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 0.5 cups red onion, finely chopped
- 0.5 cups celery, diced
- 0.25 cups dill pickles, diced
- 0.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cups green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta, which prevents it from sticking and helps it absorb the dressing better.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended, forming the flavorful base of the salad.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the finely chopped red and green bell peppers, red onion, celery, and diced dill pickles to the dressing. Mix well to incorporate the fresh vegetables evenly throughout the dressing.
- Combine Pasta and Dressing: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing and vegetables. Toss everything together until the macaroni is fully coated with the mixture.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika gently. This step adds layers of smoky, sharp flavor and a bit of spice to the salad.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the salad chill for optimal taste and texture.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final stir to refresh the flavors and ensure everything is well mixed.
Notes
- Cook macaroni until just al dente to avoid mushy salad.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour for best flavor infusion.
- Adjust the amount of smoked paprika and garlic powder according to your taste preference.
- Can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Guy Fieri, macaroni salad, picnic side dish, creamy salad, cheddar cheese salad, summer salad, barbecue side dish
