Guy Fieri’s Famous Mac Salad is a fun twist on a classic side dish that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with crunchy veggies like celery and onion. This mac salad balances mayo with a little bit of sweet and tangy dressing to make every bite tasty and memorable. It’s the kind of dish that brings a little burst of flavor to your BBQ or summer cookout.
I love making this mac salad because it’s so simple to whip up but always gets a thumbs-up from everyone around the table. The best part is how the pasta stays perfectly tender without getting mushy, and the dressing clings to it just right. I often make it a day ahead so all those flavors have time to mix together — it always tastes even better the next day!
Serving this alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or fried chicken just feels like the perfect summer combo. I remember making this at family gatherings and seeing how fast it disappeared. It’s one of those classic sides that brings everyone together, and it’s always fun to have a big bowl ready to share while catching up with friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape works well because its curves hold the dressing nicely. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, small shells or rotini work great too.
Mayonnaise: It’s the base of the creamy dressing here. For a lighter option, try half mayo and half Greek yogurt—it adds tang and creaminess without weighing the salad down.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang that balances the creaminess. If you can’t find it, white vinegar is okay, but use a bit less to avoid overpowering.
Celery & Red Onion: These give a fresh crunch and subtle bite, which keeps the salad from feeling too rich. If you’re not a fan of raw onion, try finely diced green onions or omit altogether.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and richness. If you want a milder taste, use mild cheddar, or substitute with Monterey Jack or Colby cheese.
Bacon: Bacon adds smoky, salty goodness. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon or add roasted nuts or smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
How Can I Make Sure the Macaroni Salad Isn’t Mushy?
Cooking pasta perfectly is key to a great mac salad. Here’s how to get that firm but tender texture:
- Cook pasta until just al dente—meaning it’s cooked but still firm when you bite it. Follow package times but start checking a minute earlier.
- Right after draining, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking instantly and cools the pasta, which helps it hold its shape in the salad.
- Drain well so the pasta isn’t wet when mixing with the dressing, or the salad can become soggy.
- Letting the salad chill for at least an hour helps the pasta absorb the flavors without softening too much.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I like using a big pot so the pasta cooks evenly without crowding.
- Strainer or colander – helps drain the hot pasta quickly and thoroughly.
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for tossing all the ingredients together and saving space in your fridge.
- Whisk – makes blending the dressing smooth and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with ingredients like mayonnaise and vinegar.
- Spatula or large spoon – for folding ingredients gently without breaking the pasta.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for diced ham or cooked shrimp for different proteins that match your taste or what you have on hand.
- Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a milder or spicier kick.
- Add chopped pickles or jalapeños for extra crunch and heat.
- Mix in cooked peas or chopped bell peppers to boost color and freshness.
How to Make Guy Fieri’s Famous Mac Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- Optional: Paprika or chili powder for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to cook and prepare this mac salad, plus at least 1 hour to chill it in the fridge. The chilling time helps all the flavors come together and makes the salad taste even better!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling water, following the package directions. Cook until the pasta is al dente, which means it’s firm but cooked through. Once done, drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set it aside to drain fully.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
3. Combine Pasta with Dressing:
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy dressing.
4. Add the Vegetables and Cheese:
Fold in the diced celery, finely chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon. Mix everything well but gently so you don’t break the pasta.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Give your salad a taste. If you want, adjust the salt and pepper until it’s just right for you.
6. Garnish and Chill:
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top for extra crunch and flavor. If you like, add a dash of paprika or chili powder to give it a splash of color and a little spicy kick. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour so all the flavors can meld together.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve your delicious mac salad cold. It’s a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any comfort food meal!
Can I Use Frozen Macaroni for This Salad?
It’s best to use dry elbow macaroni cooked fresh, but if you only have frozen cooked pasta, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained to avoid extra moisture that can make the salad soggy.
Can I Make the Mac Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge, and give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover mac salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad thickens after chilling, stir in a little extra mayonnaise or a splash of milk to loosen it up before serving.
Can I Substitute the Mayonnaise?
Yes! You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a mix of half mayo and half Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing. Just keep in mind it may change the flavor and texture slightly.
