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The Ultimate Dynamite Guy Fieri Inspired Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy, yellow Guy Fieri's Iconic Mac Salad featuring elbow macaroni and red onion.

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Recreate the famous, tangy, and creamy macaroni salad popularized by Guy Fieri. This recipe delivers the signature deli-style flavor perfect for your next summer BBQ or potluck.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced celery
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet pickle

Instructions

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, celery salt, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and turmeric until the dressing is smooth and uniform.
  3. Add the cooled, drained macaroni to the dressing mixture. Toss gently to coat every piece of pasta evenly.
  4. Fold in the diced celery, red onion, and chopped sweet pickle. Mix until all vegetables are incorporated.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing, which is key for this creamy deli style mac salad.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a final stir. Add a splash more vinegar or mustard if it seems too dry after chilling. Serve cold as a road trip worthy side dish.

Notes

  • For the best texture, do not overcook the pasta; it should remain firm enough to hold up to the dressing during chilling.
  • If you want a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing mixture.
  • This recipe makes a fantastic award winning macaroni salad for any gathering.

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