Classic Bacon Macaroni Salad That Steals the Show

Classic Bacon Macaroni Salad That Steals the Show

introduction

If you’re looking for a side dish that everyone will love, this Classic Bacon Macaroni Salad is the one. It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks, this salad is sure to steal the show.

why make this recipe

This recipe combines the beloved flavors of macaroni and bacon with a creamy dressing. It’s simple to make and can easily please a crowd. The ingredients are easy to find, and you can customize it based on your preferences. Whether you are serving it at a family gathering or just enjoying it at home, this salad will always be a hit.

how to make Classic Bacon Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

• 8 oz Macaroni (Cook until al dente.)
• 1 medium Tomato (Diced; can substitute with cherry tomatoes.)
• 2 stalks Celery (Chopped.)
• 2 scallions Green Onions (Sliced.)
• 6 slices Bacon (Cooked and crumbled.)
• 1 cup Mayonnaise (Or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.)
• 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (Or white vinegar.)
• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard (Or yellow mustard.)
• 1 tsp Salt (To taste.)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (To taste.)
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (Optional.)

Directions

1. Start by cooking the macaroni in a large pot according to the package instructions. Make sure it is al dente. Drain the pasta and let it cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, diced tomato, chopped celery, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon.
3. In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika together.
4. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
5. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.

how to serve Classic Bacon Macaroni Salad

Serve this salad cold as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats or fried chicken. You can also serve it on its own or as part of a buffet spread. Garnish it with extra green onions or paprika for a nice touch.

how to store Classic Bacon Macaroni Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If the salad becomes too dry, you can add a little extra mayonnaise or yogurt before serving again.

tips to make Classic Bacon Macaroni Salad

• For extra crunch, add some diced bell peppers or pickles.
• If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• Make it ahead of time! This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

variation

You can change up the ingredients based on what you have. Try adding cooked chicken for more protein, or swap out the bacon for diced ham or turkey. You can even experiment with different types of pasta.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the salad without bacon?
A: Yes! You can skip the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian option like smoked tofu or tempeh.

Q: How can I make this salad gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta to make the macaroni salad gluten-free.

Q: Can I freeze Classic Bacon Macaroni Salad?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as mayonnaise and cooked pasta do not freeze well. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Classic Bacon Macaroni Salad

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• Author: angela
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A creamy, crunchy, and flavorful macaroni salad with bacon, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz Macaroni (Cook until al dente.)
• 1 medium Tomato (Diced; can substitute with cherry tomatoes.)
• 2 stalks Celery (Chopped.)
• 2 scallions Green Onions (Sliced.)
• 6 slices Bacon (Cooked and crumbled.)
• 1 cup Mayonnaise (Or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.)
• 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (Or white vinegar.)
• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard (Or yellow mustard.)
• 1 tsp Salt (To taste.)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (To taste.)
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (Optional.)

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Instructions

1. Start by cooking the macaroni in a large pot according to the package instructions. Make sure it is al dente. Drain the pasta and let it cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, diced tomato, chopped celery, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon.
3. In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika together.
4. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
5. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.

Notes

For extra crunch, add some diced bell peppers or pickles. If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Make it ahead of time! This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 25mg