Easy Bacon Macaroni Salad

A creamy, savory macaroni salad loaded with crispy bacon, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing—perfect for potlucks, picnics, or feeding a large group on a budget.

This is a go-to dish for family gatherings it always disappears quickly and gets compliments.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 500 g (1 lb) elbow macaroni
• Bacon: 300 g (10 oz) bacon, diced
• Vegetables: 1 ½ cups celery, finely chopped, 1 cup red bell pepper, diced, 1 cup green onions, sliced, 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• Dressing: 1 ½ cups mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks, fry the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and let cool.

Step 3:

In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.

Step 4:

Add the cooled macaroni, bacon, celery, red bell pepper, green onions, and peas to the bowl. Toss gently with the dressing until everything is well coated.

Step 5:

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6:

Give the salad a gentle toss before serving. Add extra salt or pepper to taste if needed.

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This salad tastes even better the next day and is a family favorite at all our summer picnics.

Required Tools

Large pot, skillet, mixing bowls, whisk, knife and cutting board, colander

Allergen Information

Contains eggs (mayonnaise), dairy (sour cream), and gluten (macaroni). Contains pork (bacon). Check all labels for potential allergens if using alternative brands.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 370 Total Fat: 23 g Carbohydrates: 29 g Protein: 10 g per serving

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This easy bacon macaroni salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering just follow the steps for best results.

Recipe Questions

→ How do I ensure the macaroni doesn't get mushy?

Cook the macaroni until just al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely before mixing.

→ Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld; it often tastes better the next day.

→ What alternatives are there for the bacon?

Vegetarian bacon or omitting bacon entirely works well for those avoiding pork without sacrificing much flavor.

→ How can I add extra crunch to the salad?

Adding chopped pickles or shredded carrots enhances texture and complements the creamy dressing.

→ Is it possible to lighten the dressing?

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing variation.