Bacon macaroni salad is a delicious, savory dish that takes the traditional macaroni salad to a whole new level. With its creamy dressing, crunchy bacon bits, and the perfect balance of flavors, this salad makes for a standout side dish at barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. It combines the comforting creaminess of classic macaroni salad with the irresistible crunch and smoky flavor of crispy bacon, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and full of character.
The base of bacon macaroni salad is the same as the classic version – elbow macaroni pasta, boiled until al dente. Once the pasta is drained and cooled, it’s tossed with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and a touch of mustard or vinegar to balance the richness. A little salt, pepper, and garlic powder help to season the dressing, but the real magic comes from the bacon. Crispy bacon bits are scattered throughout the salad, offering salty, smoky goodness in every bite. The bacon adds not only flavor but also a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the soft, creamy pasta.
To round out the salad, you can add some additional vegetables for freshness and crunch. Chopped celery, bell peppers, and red onion give the salad a bit of texture and a pop of color, while also adding a refreshing element to balance the richness of the dressing and bacon. Some people even include a boiled egg or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
Bacon macaroni salad is incredibly versatile, too. You can customize it by adding your favorite ingredients, like pickles, olives, or fresh herbs like parsley or dill. For a little extra zing, a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness.
This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or even as a side dish to complement grilled meats. The combination of creamy pasta, smoky bacon, and crunchy vegetables makes it a crowd-pleasing favorite that everyone will enjoy. It’s a dish that’s easy to make in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together and making it the perfect make-ahead option for any event. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or just craving a comforting, flavorful side, bacon macaroni salad is always a hit.
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni cooked and drained
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced cherry tomatoes
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
- Add the cooled macaroni, crumbled bacon, celery, red onion, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl.
- Gently stir all ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Nutrition
Tried this for a barbecue and it was a hit. Super easy to make, too!
I used regular white vinegar once in a pasta salad and it was way harsher. Apple cider vinegar is a better choice, but I’d still taste the dressing before mixing everything in.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about mixing sweet + vinegar + mayo. But it worked! My kids actually asked for seconds, so yeah.
My kids loved this! They normally don’t eat salad but this was gone in minutes.
Yum!
Not my fav. The bacon overpowered everything and it felt too greasy.
Bacon = happiness. Is there a better combo???
Bacon is life! This sounds delish. Can’t wait to try it out!
This is the best macaroni salad I’ve ever tasted! The bacon adds such a nice flavor. Highly recommend!
This was a hit at our BBQ! Everyone loved it. Will definitely make again!
Yummy! Even my kids liked it and they hate veggies. Thanks for sharing!
That’s awesome! Kids can be so picky, so this is quite a win! 🍅
I dunno… bacon in a salad seems weird. Isn’t that just pasta?🤔
I think the macaroni gets soggy if you keep it too long. Mine was great the first day, but by day two it softened a lot even though I refrigerated it right away. Any tips to keep it firmer?
I tried it but my mayo mixture never got “smooth” like the recipe says—maybe because my mayo was too thick. Still tasted okay though.
Why does it have sugar?? Just weird. Too sweet for my taste.
This salad is a hit at our BBQs! Everyone loves it. Definitely making it again!
Sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it myself at the next BBQ.
This looks dangerously good. The cider vinegar + sugar combo should make it tangy without tasting “pickle-y.” I’m definitely adding more black pepper.
My kids ate it before it even made it to the fridge lol. I used tiny pasta because that’s what I had and it still worked. Super easy for a potluck.
I don’t know… I think the mayo would ruin it. I just like more simple recipes, you know?
I added too much vinegar, it’s too tangy now. I wouldn’t use that much again.
Bacon in salad? Sounds weird but I guess it’s ok. Didn’t like the vinegar much.
Too much mayo for my taste. Next time, I’ll use less.
I think the mayo is what makes it creamy and rich! But, to each their own. 👍
But it’s bacon mac salad, how can you do with no mayo? That’s crazy talk!
I made this for a potluck, and it disappeared within minutes! So easy to make.
So easy and delicious! Perfect for summer picnics. ✨
7/10. Easy recipe, but I accidentally overcooked the pasta and it got a little mushy. Still got compliments, so… yeah.
Yummy! I added some jalapenos for a kick and it was perfect. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t have applesider vinegar only normal vinegar 🤷♂️. Will it still be good?
Meh. Tastes like salad dressing with pasta. Bacon was good though.
Honestly I get what you mean—it’s basically a creamy tangy mayo-vinegar dressing situation. The bacon is definitely the hero here though. Did you refrigerate it long enough? I find it tastes way less “salad dressing” after an hour.
This salad was a hit at my BBQ! Everyone loved it! 😍
I didn’t have apple cider vinegar so I used lemon juice. Still came out good!
I tried this and it turned out AMAZING… I mean, for real. The tomatoes pop, the celery crunches, and the bacon flavor is on point. Will make again for sure.
Sounds tasty but I’m on a low-carb diet… no macaroni for me. 🍽️
You can try a low-carb version with cauliflower instead of macaroni! 😊