Dessert

Guy Fieri’s Rockin’ Macaroni Salad Recipe

Name: Guy Fieri’s Rockin’ Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups elbow macaroni; 0.5 cups mayonnaise; 0.5 cups sour cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 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; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste

Byluca Carter March 5, 2026March 5, 2026

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Introduction

Guy Fieri’s Rockin’ Macaroni Salad is a vibrant twist on a classic side dish. Loaded with crunchy vegetables, tangy pickles, and a smoky spice blend, it’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual family meals. Ready in just 30 minutes, this macaroni salad packs big flavor in every bite.

A clear glass bowl is filled with creamy macaroni salad made of pale yellow curved pasta coated in thick white mayonnaise. Mixed evenly within the pasta are small pieces of green bell pepper, bright red tomato chunks, and purple-red onion bits, adding pops of color. The top layer is covered with shredded golden yellow cheddar cheese and sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs and a light dusting of red seasoning, giving a vibrant and fresh look. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface with soft natural light coming from the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups elbow macaroni
0.5 cups mayonnaise

0.5 cups sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together until well blended.
Step 3: Add the finely chopped red and green bell peppers, red onion, celery, and dill pickles to the dressing mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Incorporate the cooled macaroni into the mixture and mix until evenly coated.
Step 5: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently to distribute.
Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.

Step 7: Cover and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together.
Step 8: Give it a final stir before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream to the dressing.

Swap out cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a spicy kick.
Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for added protein and texture.
Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor, or substitute with regular paprika if unavailable.

Storage

Store the macaroni salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. Before serving, give it a good stir and add a splash of vinegar or a pinch of salt if needed to refresh the taste. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with creamy macaroni salad that has several layers of small elbow pasta coated in a thick white dressing. Mixed within the pasta are chopped pieces of green bell pepper, red bell pepper, red onion, and green onions, adding pops of green, red, and purple colors. On top there is a generous layer of shredded bright yellow cheddar cheese, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and a light dusting of reddish paprika, making the salad look fresh and colorful. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light coming from the side, making the colors vibrant and the textures rich. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, making the salad a few hours or the day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to stir it well before serving.

What can I substitute for dill pickles if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have dill pickles, you can use sweet pickles or even chopped capers for a tangy bite, though the flavor will be slightly different.

luca Carter