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Recipe: The World’s Best Macaroni and Cheese Salad π§π₯
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: Varies
Description:
This recipe for The World’s Best Macaroni and Cheese Salad is perfect for big family gatherings or any potluck event. With its creamy texture, crunchy bacon bits, and savory flavors, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences, as the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility.

Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 large onion
- 1 egg
- 2 cans black olives
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 – 1 cup bacon bits
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 – 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Boil the Macaroni:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- While the macaroni is cooking, dice the onion and cut the black olives, cheddar cheese, and hard-boiled eggs into bite-sized chunks.
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Cool the Macaroni:
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water until it’s cool to the touch. This helps prevent the macaroni from sticking together and ensures a refreshing salad texture.
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Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled macaroni, diced onion, black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and hard-boiled eggs.
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Add Mayonnaise and Mustard:
- Start by adding 1 1/2 cups of mayonnaise to the bowl. Stir well to combine. Gradually add more mayonnaise as needed until the salad reaches your desired creaminess.
- Next, add 2-3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard to the mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
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Season to Taste:
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of the bacon bits and the tanginess of the mustard.
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Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once chilled, give the salad a final stir and serve it cold. Enjoy the compliments and the delicious flavors of this irresistible macaroni and cheese salad!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 463.8
- Total Fat: 24.1g
- Saturated Fat: 8.3g
- Cholesterol: 224.7mg
- Sodium: 972.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.5g
- Sugar: 2.2g
- Protein: 20.7g
Recipe Notes:
- This Macaroni and Cheese Salad is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients such as diced bell peppers, celery, or cherry tomatoes.
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and mayonnaise to dress the salad.
- Make sure to refrigerate any leftovers promptly and consume them within a few days for the best quality.