Description
Guy Fieri’s Mac-Daddi-Roni Salad is a flavorful twist on classic macaroni salad, featuring pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of pasta: Choose your favorite type, such as rotini or macaroni, as the base of the salad.
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved: These add a burst of sweetness and color.
- 1 cup of cucumber, diced: For crunch and freshness.
- 1 cup of bell peppers (red or yellow), diced: To enhance the flavor profile and provide vibrant color.
- ½ cup of red onion, finely chopped: Offers a zesty kick to the salad.
- 1 cup of shredded turkey (or chicken): Provides protein and richness, making the dish hearty.
- 1 cup of creamy dressing (mayonnaise or yogurt-based): This is essential for that creamy texture; feel free to use a low-fat version.
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice: To add a touch of acidity and balance the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances overall flavor.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of cucumber, 1 cup of bell peppers, and ½ cup of red onion.
- Shred the Turkey: Using 1 cup of cooked turkey (or chicken), shred it into bite-sized pieces. This can be done easily with your hands or two forks.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy dressing, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and shredded meat to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the pasta salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Refrigerate: For best flavor, cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.