Ultimate Creamy Bacon Macaroni Salad
Elevate your side dish game with this Ultimate Creamy Bacon Macaroni Salad, an original creation that combines tender elbow macaroni with a medley of fresh vegetables and a decadent creamy dressing. This salad is crafted for those who appreciate a robust taste, featuring crunchy celery, sweet red bell pepper, and zesty olives, all brought together by a homemade dressing that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess. Topped with crispy homemade bacon bits, this salad serves as a delicious accompaniment for summer barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as a satisfying main dish with the addition of chicken or tuna, this macaroni salad is designed to be enjoyed by everyone at the table. With a nod to my classic potato salad recipe, this macaroni version has its own unique flair and is sure to be a hit!
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large elbow macaroni
1 lb (Cooked to desired tenderness.)
Celery
1/2 cup (Thinly sliced.)
Sweet onion
1/4 cup (Finely diced.)
Red sweet bell pepper
1 small (Finely diced.)
Pimento stuffed olives
1/4-1/2 cup (Sliced.)
Mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 1/2 cups (Use half and half, as preferred.)
Prepared yellow mustard
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Sweet pickle relish
1/4 cup (N/A)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Celery seed
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Bacon
1/2 lb (Prepared as in Homemade Fresh Bacon Bits.)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2
In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, prepared yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sweet pickle relish, sugar, salt, black pepper, and celery seed until smooth and well combined.
3
To the macaroni, add the thinly sliced celery, finely diced sweet onion, diced red bell pepper, and sliced pimento-stuffed olives. Mix gently to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
4
Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture, and stir until the macaroni is fully coated with the creamy dressing.
5
Finally, fold in the homemade bacon bits for that irresistible crunch and smokiness.
6
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and ensure it is served chilled.
7
For additional variations, consider substituting the green olives with sliced black olives or adding grape tomatoes for a burst of freshness. For a heartier version, mix in diced cooked chicken or tuna fish.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
9
Carbs
2.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main pasta used in the Ultimate Creamy Bacon Macaroni Salad?
The recipe uses one pound of large elbow macaroni cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
What type of bacon is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for half a pound of bacon prepared as homemade fresh bacon bits for crunch and smokiness.
What fresh vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes thinly sliced celery, finely diced sweet onion, and a finely diced small red sweet bell pepper.
How long should the macaroni salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be covered and refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and ensure it is served chilled.
What are the primary ingredients in the creamy dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise or salad dressing, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sweet pickle relish, sugar, salt, pepper, and celery seed.
Can I substitute the pimento-stuffed olives in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute them with sliced black olives or add grape tomatoes for a different burst of freshness.
How can I turn this side dish into a main course?
To make it a heartier main dish, you can mix in diced cooked chicken or tuna fish.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this macaroni salad?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this salad?
Each serving contains 9 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does the salad provide?
The salad provides 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
Should I rinse the macaroni after cooking?
Yes, you should drain and rinse the macaroni under cold water to cool it before mixing with other ingredients.
What kind of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifically calls for two teaspoons of prepared yellow mustard.
How much celery seed is required for the dressing?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of celery seed to enhance the flavor profile.
What type of vinegar is best for the dressing?
One teaspoon of apple cider vinegar is used to provide the perfect balance of tanginess.
Can I use salad dressing instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use mayonnaise, salad dressing, or a combination of both based on your preference.
How should the sweet onion be prepared?
The 1/4 cup of sweet onion should be finely diced for even distribution.
What size of red bell pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one small red sweet bell pepper, finely diced.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 14 distinct ingredients including the pasta and dressing components.
What occasions is this macaroni salad ideal for?
It is designed for summer barbecues, picnics, and potlucks as a delicious accompaniment to grilled meats.
Is there salt and pepper in the dressing?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
When should the bacon bits be added?
The bacon bits should be folded in at the end, after the macaroni is coated in the dressing, to maintain their crunch.
How much sweet pickle relish is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of sweet pickle relish.
Is there any sugar in the dressing?
Yes, two teaspoons of sugar are added to the dressing to balance the acidity of the vinegar and mustard.
How should the celery be cut?
The 1/2 cup of celery should be thinly sliced to provide a crunchy texture.
What is the total amount of mayonnaise used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of mayonnaise or salad dressing.
How much olive content is in the salad?
The recipe uses between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sliced pimento-stuffed olives.
Is this macaroni salad based on another recipe?
The creator notes that this version is inspired by their classic potato salad recipe but with a unique macaroni flair.
What makes the salad zesty?
The combination of pimento-stuffed olives and the vinegar-mustard-relish dressing provides a zesty flavor profile.
Is the bacon homemade?
The recipe recommends using homemade bacon bits for the best taste and quality.