Prepare to transform your summer gatherings with the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Our mouthwatering American Macaroni Salad with Bacon is not just another pasta salad – it's a creamy, crispy, flavor-packed sensation that combines classic comfort food with irresistible bacon goodness. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, potluck, or simply craving a delicious side dish, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the bacon. If you haven't already cooked the bacon, you can do so in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the macaroni to cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir until well blended to create a creamy dressing.
- Add the crumbled bacon, diced celery, and sliced green onions to the bowl with the dressing. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Once the macaroni has cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. Stir until the macaroni is evenly coated with the dressing and all ingredients are well combined.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. However, if you're short on time, you can serve it immediately.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste one more time to adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious American Macaroni Salad with Bacon!
Tips
- For the best texture, cook your macaroni just until al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent mushy pasta.
- Use freshly cooked, crispy bacon for maximum flavor. If possible, cook the bacon yourself rather than using pre-packaged bacon bits.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. The longer it sits, the more delicious it becomes!
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
- Feel free to customize by adding diced bell peppers, shredded cheese, or a dash of your favorite herbs to make the recipe uniquely yours.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving – a little extra salt and pepper can make a big difference in bringing out the flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg
