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At the heart of any macaroni salad lies the pasta itself, and in this case, elbow macaroni takes center stage. The significance of elbow macaroni in pasta salads cannot be overstated. Its unique shape, with its curved and hollow structure, allows it to hold onto dressings and mix beautifully with other ingredients. This results in a satisfying bite that is both chewy and tender. When cooked properly, elbow macaroni offers the perfect texture—al dente, which means it retains a slight firmness when bitten into. This aspect is crucial, as overcooked pasta can lead to a mushy salad, detracting from the overall experience.

Guy Fieri’s Macaroni Salad

Discover the joy of Guy Fieri's Rockin' Macaroni Salad, a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, and potlucks. This creamy and vibrant salad combines elbow macaroni, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing to create a flavorful side that everyone will love. Featuring hard-boiled eggs for added protein and sweet pickle relish for a delightful twist, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress your guests. Perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces elbow macaroni

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or a colorful mix)

1/2 cup diced red onion

1/2 cup sweet pickle relish

3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the macaroni aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend the ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and uniform dressing.

      Combine Macaroni and Dressing: When the macaroni has cooled, add it to the bowl of dressing. Using a spatula, gently fold the pasta into the dressing to ensure that each piece is evenly coated without breaking the macaroni.

        Add Fresh Vegetables and Eggs: Incorporate the chopped celery, diced bell peppers, and diced red onion into the macaroni mixture. Follow this by adding the sweet pickle relish and the chopped hard-boiled eggs. Carefully stir to combine all the ingredients, taking care not to mash the pasta or eggs.

          Finish with Greenery: Fold in the chopped green onions and fresh parsley, which will add both color and flavor to your salad. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.

            Chill the Salad: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a fitted lid, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully together.

              Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Ladle portions into bowls or on a platter, and enjoy the zesty, colorful, and creamy delight that is Guy Fieri's Rockin' Macaroni Salad!

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, serve the salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients. Garnish with extra parsley or slices of hard-boiled egg on top.