Bacon Balsamic Macaroni Salad

User Reviews

5.0

9 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    2 hrs

  • Total Time

    2 hrs 15 mins

  • Servings

    8 -12 servings

  • Calories

    742 kcal

  • Course

    Salad

  • Cuisine

    American

Bacon Balsamic Macaroni Salad

Crisp bacon pieces strewn throughout this delectable, creamy bacon balsamic macaroni salad that is loaded with crunchy celery, bright red grape tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese and topped with a mouthwatering creamy balsamic ranch dressing.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes washed and halved (sub. with 1 large tomato, chopped)
  • 2 talks celery finely chopped
  • 3 green onions finely chopped (reserve a few as a garnish)
  • 1-2 teaspoons tarragon fresh, finely chopped (optional) (1/2- 1 tsp dried may be substituted)

DRESSING

  • 1 cup mayonnaise good quality, I love Chosen Foods Avocado mayo
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing prepared
  • 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper freshly ground

YUMMY MIX-INS

  • 1 lb Bacon crisp cooked, crumbled
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • Garnish with a few chopped green onions and a sprig of fresh tarragon if desired
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Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, be sure to add a couple teaspoons of salt to the boiling water.
  2. While pasta is boiling, chop your tomatoes, celery, and green onions. Once the pasta is done, drain in a colander and rinse well under COLD water. Place cooked and drained pasta in a large bowl, mix in chopped tomatoes, onions, and celery.

DRESSING

  1. In a small mixing bowl combine your mayonnaise, ranch dressing, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk well until combined and smooth. Pour dressing over pasta and stir gently to coat.
  2. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, up to overnight (or longer if needed). When ready to serve, add your crumbled crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese and optional fresh or dried tarragon. Stir to combine. Garnish with sprig of tarragon (or basil) and a few chopped green onions.
  3. Tastes delicious after a couple of days as well. Keep covered and refrigerated, lasts up to 5-7 days in the fridge.

Notes

  • This recipe slightly adapted from the original at Happy Simple Living.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1serving Calories 742kcal (37%) Carbohydrates 47g (16%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 53g (82%) Saturated Fat 14g (70%) Polyunsaturated Fat 19g Monounsaturated Fat 16g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 65mg (22%) Sodium 963mg (40%) Potassium 423mg (12%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 733IU (15%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 132mg (13%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8-12 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 742 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 742kcal 37%
Carbohydrates 47g 16%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 53g 82%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Polyunsaturated Fat 19g 112%
Monounsaturated Fat 16g 80%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 65mg 22%
Sodium 963mg 40%
Potassium 423mg 9%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 733IU 15%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 132mg 13%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5.0

9 reviews
Excellent

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