Guy Fieri’s Famous Mac Salad is a fun, creamy twist on a classic side dish, packed with tender macaroni, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing that feels just right at any picnic or potluck. You’ll notice the crunchy bits of celery and onion adding a fresh snap, while the mayo-based sauce keeps everything delightfully smooth and flavorful.
I love making this mac salad when I want something familiar but with a little extra kick of Guy’s signature style. It’s simple but feels special, like a dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile. A little tip I have is to let it chill well before serving, as it really helps those flavors blend together better.
Whenever I bring this salad to gatherings, it always ends up being a crowd favorite, disappearing fast! It’s the perfect partner for burgers, BBQ, or just as a cool, tasty snack on its own. Plus, it’s one of those recipes you can tweak easily—add a bit more crunch, a dash of spice, or whatever you love most.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Guy Fieri’s Mac Salad
Elbow Macaroni: This pasta holds dressing well due to its curved shape. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, small shells or rotini work great too.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: The mayo and sour cream create a creamy base. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Yellow Mustard & Apple Cider Vinegar: These add tang and balance the creaminess. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or lemon juice can work.
Smoked Paprika: It adds a gentle smoky flavor and nice color. You can skip it or use regular paprika if needed.
Veggies & Bacon: The bell pepper, celery, and green onions add crunch and freshness. Bacon adds a smoky, salty bite—swap with turkey bacon or omit for a veggie version.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives richness. You can use mild cheddar or a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
How Do You Make the Dressing Creamy and Flavorful?
The dressing sets the tone for this salad. The key is to whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, onion powders, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Use room temperature ingredients for easy mixing.
- Whisk thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly—this helps balance tang, spice, and creaminess.
- Taste and adjust salt or sugar if needed before tossing with pasta.
This mix coats the pasta nicely and ensures every bite is tasty and not too heavy.
What’s the Best Way to Cook and Cool the Macaroni?
Cooking pasta al dente ensures it stays firm in the salad and doesn’t turn mushy. Follow package timing but check a minute early.
- Boil pasta in plenty of salted water to season it well.
- Once cooked, drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- This rinse also removes some starch, helping the salad stay fresh and less sticky.
After cooling, dry the pasta slightly by draining well—it helps the dressing cling better.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I recommend a big pot for boiling pasta, so it cooks evenly and isn’t crowded.
- Colander – makes draining the pasta quick and mess-free.
- Mixing bowls – a large bowl for tossing the salad and smaller bowls for whisking the dressing are very handy.
- Whisk – helps blend the dressing smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keeps ingredients accurate and the flavors balanced.
- Cheese grater – if shredding fresh cheese, you’ll love how it melts into the salad for extra flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap the cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different cheese twist.
- Add cooked diced chicken or turkey to turn it into a more filling meal.
- Mix in chopped pickles or olives for a tangy, savory boost.
- Try smoked paprika or cumin in the dressing for extra smoky or warm spice notes.
How to Make Guy Fieri’s Famous Mac Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, plus at least 2 hours (or overnight) chilling time to let all the flavors come together. So plan ahead to enjoy the best taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook and Cool the Macaroni:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package directions until it’s just tender (al dente). Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to cool it completely. Set the macaroni aside.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk well until the dressing is smooth and all the flavors are blended nicely.
3. Combine Pasta and Dressing:
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to make sure every piece of pasta is coated evenly with that creamy, flavorful dressing.
4. Add the Veggies, Cheese, and Bacon:
Fold in the diced red bell pepper, diced celery, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled cooked bacon. Stir gently so everything mixes well without breaking the pasta.
5. Chill and Blend Flavors:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. This rest time helps all the delicious flavors come together perfectly.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Sprinkle extra smoked paprika, chopped green onions, and more crumbled bacon on top for a pretty finish and an extra burst of flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy your creamy, tasty mac salad inspired by Guy Fieri!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small shells or rotini work great too. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they hold up well in the salad.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Mac Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again, and keep it chilled to maintain freshness.
Can I Make This Mac Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the salad a day in advance and refrigerate overnight. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.
Is There a Substitute for Bacon?
Sure! You can swap bacon for turkey bacon, smoked sausage, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. Adding extra crunchy veggies can help keep the texture exciting.