Mama Mia’s Mac Salad: A Family Recipe at The Shed in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
“Have you ever gotten in trouble when you’re back here alone making it?” Guy Fieri said to Brooke Lewis while she prepared some of her mother’s famous macaroni salad at The Shed in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. What was her reaction? An understanding smile and the confession, “Every now and then, yes.”
This Mississippi barbecue joint is just like family, honest, home style, cooking, and Brooke and her brother have been serving the locals what they love the most. The Shed’s BBQ is sweet, spicy, and hot and features brisket and pork and also specializes in baby back ribs, but it was a simple side dish that Guy focused on in this segment.
The Recipe: Straight from Mama Mia
Mama Mia’s Mac Salad features shell pasta instead of the elbow macaroni that might be expected. From there, Brooke walked Guy through making what she refers to as ‘the juice’ – the dressing that makes the dish.
Don't lose this list! Drop your email and we'll send it to you, so you've got it handy next time you're hungry or planning a trip.
Mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, sugar, pepper, onion powder, salt, garlic salt, and dijon mustard. This is a recipe that is similar to what a grandmother might make. Once all of the creamy sauce ingredients mix together, the fresh veggies go in. Red onions and bell peppers are bright and vibrant and add some crunch to the recipe.
Brooke had no problem explaining her preferred method for mixing the dressing for salad. One of the options Guy presented was for her to do it in a container. \”You can do that,\” she said, \”but I’d rather do it with one of these little puppies right here,\” she said, grabbing her favorite mixing tool.
Guy’s Verdict
Guy broke it down after tasting the final product, stating, “Creamy, tangy – you know what I like about it the best? Green bell pepper. Real nice fresh herbaceous flavor and the little crunch of the onion.”
He commended it for having “that home cooking taste,” which is as high praise as you can get for someone who has tasted endless sides throughout the nation. Just like the mac salad segment, which highlights family traditions, the Kataifi Fried Shrimp & Greek-Style Grits dish shows that the most cherished recipes come from mom.
And in classic Guy form, he could not help but sneak a few bites during the demonstration. “I saw you!” Brooke chuckled as he served himself. What was his answer? “I go through so much of it – I knew you were gonna do that.”
Tips from The Shed’s Kitchen
Choose shell pasta because the shape better captures the dressing compared to classic elbow macaroni.
Add “juice” in building layers: Cider vinegar and dijon mustard give the tangy punch while the combo of mayo and sour cream serves as the cream base.
Don’t forget the fresh vegetables! Bell peppers and red onions aren’t just for show; they add the critical herbaceous flavor and texture that Guy specifically called out.
Location Matters
Why do customers come to The Shed? Customer Tina answered, “We are located on Highway 57. Barbecue. That’s it.” Some places don’t need great marketing. They just need great food and a great location.
The Shed’s mac salad showcases that sides can be just as good as the main entree. For fans of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and who enjoy finding dishes that are off the beaten path, like the Arancini in Delaware segment, this works for you.
Want more Triple D locations added to your dome? Go to the restaurant directory to map out your next food adventure