Guy Fieri Macaroni Salad

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Guy Fieri’s “Mac-Daddi-Roni” Salad

This version features Peppadew peppers and pepperoncinis for a sweet-and-spicy “pop” that cuts through the creamy mayo.

CategoryDetails
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chill Time1 hour (minimum)
Yield8–10 servings

🍴 Ingredients

  • The Pasta:
    • 16 oz (1 lb) Macaroni (Guy recommends ¼-inch tubes)
  • The “Flavor-Town” Cream:
    • 2 cups Mayonnaise
    • 3 tbsp Yellow mustard
    • 1 tbsp White vinegar
    • 2 tbsp Garlic, minced (fresh is essential!)
  • The “Rockin'” Veggies:
    • ¾ cup Red onion, minced
    • ¾ cup Roasted red bell peppers, minced
    • ¾ cup Celery, diced
    • ½ cup Carrots, finely diced
    • ¼ cup Peppadew peppers, diced
    • ¼ cup Pepperoncinis, minced
  • Seasoning:
    • 1 tsp Sea salt
    • 1 tbsp Freshly ground black pepper (Guy likes a heavy pepper hit!)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. The Ice Bath Shock

  • Boil the macaroni in heavily salted water until al dente.
  • The Move: Drain and immediately plunge the pasta into a bowl of ice water. Once cold, drain thoroughly and pat dry. This keeps the noodles firm and “snappy.”

2. The Dressing Infusion

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic, mustard, and vinegar.
  • The Pro Tip: Place this dressing in the fridge while the pasta cools. Chilling the dressing first prevents it from breaking when it hits the room-temperature vegetables.

3. The Veggie Dice

  • Dice all your vegetables to a uniform size (about the size of a pea). This ensures that every bite has the perfect “crunch-to-cream” ratio.

4. The Big Mix

  • Fold the cold macaroni and all the chopped vegetables into the chilled dressing.
  • Season with the sea salt and black pepper.

5. The Meld

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This isn’t just for temperature; the acidity in the vinegar and peppers needs time to “soften” the raw onion and garlic, creating a cohesive, explosive flavor profile.

The “Out of Bounds” Add: If you want to make this a full meal, Guy suggests adding ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese or even some smoked chicken to the mix.

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