Bacon Club Macaroni Salad Recipe
When it comes to summer picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying a casual meal at home, nothing quite hits the spot like a creamy and hearty Bacon Club Macaroni Salad. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also rich in flavors, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. With the option to substitute cooked cubed ham for bacon, this versatile salad caters to different tastes while maintaining its delightful essence.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 10 minutes (not including pasta cooking time) |
| Recipe Category | < 15 Minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5 from 12 reviews) |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 2 cups |
| Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Bacon (cooked and crumbled) | 2 cups |
| Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Celery rib (diced) | 3/4 cup |
| Green onions (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Black olives (sliced) | 1/2 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Half-and-half cream | 1/2 cup |
| Horseradish | 2-3 teaspoons |
| Seasoning salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 941.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 74.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 27.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 128.7 mg |
| Sodium | 1365.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugars | 4.1 g |
| Protein | 28.7 g |
Instructions
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Cook the Macaroni: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta until it reaches a firm-tender texture, ensuring it retains a slight bite. Once cooked, drain well and allow it to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the oil and vinegar. Whisk these together until they are well mixed, creating a light vinaigrette that will add a tangy depth to your salad.
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Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, diced celery, sliced green onions, sliced black olives, and the cooled macaroni. Gently toss these ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
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Make the Creamy Mixture: In another bowl, blend together the mayonnaise, half-and-half cream, horseradish, and seasoning salt. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, ensuring the mixture is creamy and flavorful.
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Combine Everything: Pour the creamy mixture over the macaroni salad. Gently fold the dressing into the pasta and other ingredients, making sure everything is well coated and incorporated.
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Chill: For optimal flavor, cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Optional Additions: If desired, you can enhance the salad by chopping and adding 1-2 hard-boiled eggs, which will introduce an extra layer of richness.
Enjoying Your Salad
Once the Bacon Club Macaroni Salad has chilled, it is ready to be served. This dish makes for a perfect side at barbecues or gatherings, and it’s also delightful as a main dish for lunch. The combination of creamy dressing, savory bacon, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite ingredients or any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. The base recipe is flexible, allowing you to create a unique twist that suits your taste preferences. Enjoy the process and the delicious results that will surely impress your family and friends!
