Macaroni And Bacon Salad
A savory macaroni salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and hard-cooked eggs, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for picnics and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tsp. capers, drained ⓘ
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni, cooked, drained and cooled ⓘ
- 8 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. grated onion
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 3 tomatoes, cut into 8ths ⓘ
- 3 hard-cooked eggs, quartered ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and ketchup in a shaker and mix very well.
- Add drained capers to the dressing and set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, combine cooked, cooled macaroni, crumbled bacon, grated onion, and mayonnaise.
- Toss the macaroni mixture lightly to combine.
- Arrange the cut tomatoes and quartered eggs around the edge of the salad.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or even a dollop of sour cream. If you're looking to reduce the fat, try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also add diced celery or bell peppers for extra crunch. To enhance the flavor, a sprinkle of smoked paprika can give it a nice depth, complementing the bacon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this macaroni and bacon salad cold as a perfect side dish for summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as the Kolby'S Smothered Pork Chops or even alongside a hearty soup like Winter'S Day Bean Soup. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the salad's texture, avoid adding the dressing until you're ready to serve. If the salad becomes dry upon reheating, you can mix in a little extra mayonnaise or olive oil to refresh it before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni And Bacon Salad contains roughly 819 calories, with 2g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1820mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing it and becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
If you don't have elbow macaroni, you can use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli. These shapes hold the dressing well and add a bit of variety to the texture of the salad.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and add extra vegetables like peas or diced cucumbers for crunch. Consider incorporating smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke to mimic the bacon's flavor without the meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).