This macaroni salad with bacon and cheddar is a family favorite! Even my daughter, who doesn’t like mac and cheese, loves it. We serve it all summer long (and sometimes in the dead of winter too – it makes for a nice change!)
I’ve got the basic recipe for you below along with some variations that you can try. There are so many ways to change this up according to what you like or what you have on hand.
It’s time for backyard barbecues and picnics in the park! I just love this time of year. Summertime just screams cold dishes and salads to me. I like to have some that are hearty, like pasta salads and the like but I’m pretty fussy about those.
Here’s one that after some experimentation over the years, I’ve come up with and really enjoy. Not only that, but I recently served it to my mom and daughter, both of whom aren’t big on macaroni salad, and they both really loved this one.
Ingredients:
1 lb. elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
1 cup mayonnaise – you can try getting creative with some of those mayo blends like avocado mayo or roasted garlic mayo but for this recipe, just plain old Hellmann’s is my preference
1/2 onion, diced – I prefer either red or Vidalia
6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces and fried until crispy (Small cubes of ham are a good substitute).
1 pkg. Ranch dressing mix
8 oz. cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
Salt and pepper to taste (I personally find it salty enough between the Ranch mix, cheese, and bacon)
Other additions that can be yummy in this too: chopped celery, chopped hard-boiled eggs, leftover cooked peas, chopped radishes, leftover cooked corn, baby spinach, arugula
Adding some fresh herbs can be nice too – parsley or basil are good options.
Instructions: This is so quick and easy. Once the macaroni and bacon have cooled, simply mix all the ingredients together. I like to cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for a few hours to chill before serving. Yum!
I’m joining the party and linking this recipe post up here – be sure to check out the other great recipes, crafts, and DIY posts in this linky party:
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
I make this salad all the time, love it!!
Amiyrah says
Oh my this looks delicious! I could eat macaroni salad every day in the summer, and this looks like a great new recipe for me to try. Thanks for sharing!
Mariah says
I am pregnant and have been craving macaroni salad but the kind at the grocery store deli doesn’t appeal to me. This recipe does! I think I might be making this for Memorial Day!
Danielle says
Sounds like a great side dish to bring to a Memorial Day BBQ.
Chelsea says
I make macaroni salad a lot during the summer but I have never seen this recipe. Looks awesome and I think my kids would love it too! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Lisa Weidknecht says
Oh yes, bacon bacon bacon. I must try this!
Amber Edwards says
hmm, now that is a macaroni salad I can enjoy! Looks amazing!
Ashley S says
You had me at bacon!!! Sounds good 🙂
Kiley says
Wow! What a yummy recipe!
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired says
This looks delicious and makes me want to go on a picnic! My husband would love this, I’ll have to make it for him sometime.
Mitch says
Wow, that has all of my fav ingredients!
thanks for the recipe!
Mitch
Regina @ SpecialtyCakeCreations says
Mmm…this looks so yummy and like you say, perfect for warmer weather and picnics 🙂
Krystal V. says
looks so yummy =]
Jayne says
Ooooh! Easier version of a mac n cheese. I love those but am always scared of the cheese sauce. Mayo makes things easy.
kathy j says
This sounds yummy and it seems easy enough to make. I am always looking for new food ideas. Thanks
Lily Kwan says
This recipe looks very tasty. Thanks for sharing!