Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad with bacon is a popular and versatile dish that can be enjoyed at picnics, potlucks, or as a side to your favorite grilled dishes.

Adding bacon, lettuce, and tomato to the classic macaroni salad elevates it to a new level of flavor and texture.

Tasty side dish that everyone seems to love.… SO GOOD!

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Why I love Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Macaroni Salad?

• Easy dish that can be thrown together in no time
• Simple ingredients that are easy to find and buy
• Plenty of opportunities to customize each time it’s made

What are the five mistakes to avoid in bacon macaroni salad?

• Overcooking the pasta: Cook your pasta al dente to avoid a mushy salad. Overcooked pasta will continue to soften as it absorbs the dressing, resulting in an unappealing texture.
• Not rinsing the pasta: Rinse the pasta under cold water to remove excess starch and stop the cooking process. This will help the pasta maintain its shape and prevent it from sticking together.
• Using too little dressing: Be generous with the dressing to ensure the salad is well-coated and flavorful.
• Adding wet ingredients too early: Wait to add watery ingredients, like lettuce and tomato, until just before serving to prevent a soggy salad.
• Not seasoning properly: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper, as well as any herbs or spices you prefer.

Is it better to make pasta salad the night before?

Yes, making pasta salad the night before allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more flavorful dish. However, remember to add the lettuce and tomato just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch.

Why isn’t my macaroni salad creamy?

If your macaroni salad isn’t creamy, it could be due to insufficient dressing or the pasta absorbing too much of the dressing. To fix this issue, add more dressing and mix it thoroughly. Also, consider using full-fat mayonnaise or a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream for a creamier texture.

How to serve Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Macaroni Salad?

Serve the salad chilled in a large bowl, garnished with extra crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone dish at picnics and potlucks.

Cooking Tips:

• Cook the bacon until crispy for added texture and flavor.
• Choose a pasta shape with ridges or grooves, like rotini or fusilli, to help the dressing cling better.
• For a lighter dressing, substitute plain Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
• Use a variety of tomatoes for added color and flavor, such as cherry or heirloom tomatoes.

Variations:

• Add diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
• Include chopped, hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
• Use a different type of pasta, like bowtie or shells.
• Add crumbled feta or blue cheese for a tangy twist.

Ingredients:

• Uncooked elbow macaroni
• Mayonnaise
• White vinegar
• Diced celery
• Green onions
• Bacon crumbles
• Tomato
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Macaroni Salad:

Step 1. Cook the elbow macaroni until done to your liking, and rinse under cold water until the noodles are cool. Drain completely.

Step 2. Place the noodles into a large mixing bowl and add in the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine well.

Adding the mayonnaise.

Adding the white vinegar.

Adding the diced celery.

Adding the tomato.

Adding the green onions.

Adding the bacon crumbles.

Step 3. Chill for two hours before serving.

Now ready to enjoy!

Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Macaroni Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Macaroni salad with bacon is a popular and versatile dish that can be enjoyed at picnics, potlucks, or as a side to your favorite grilled dishes. Adding bacon, lettuce, and tomato to the classic macaroni salad elevates it to a new level of flavor and texture. In this article, we'll discuss common mistakes to avoid, tips for making the perfect salad, and how to store and reheat it.

4.39 from 13 votes

Review Recipe

Ingredients 

• 2 C. Uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 ⅓ C. Mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp. White vinegar
• 1 C. Diced celery
• ½ C. Chopped green onions
• 1 C. Bacon crumbles
• 1 Large tomato chopped
• ½ C. Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Cook the elbow macaroni until done to your liking, and rinse under cold water until the noodles are cool. Drain completely.
• Place the noodles into a large mixing bowl and add in the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine well.
• Chill for two hours before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 26g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 498mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

Author: Laura

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How to store Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Macaroni Salad?

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the lettuce and tomatoes separate until you’re ready to serve.

How to reheat Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Macaroni Salad?

This salad is best enjoyed cold and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, remove it from the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving.

How much does Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Macaroni Salad last on the fridge?

When stored in an air-tight container and chilled, you can store this bacon macaroni salad in the fridge for up to five days. It is not recommended to freeze cooked pasta.

Can I make ahead Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Macaroni Salad?

Yes, and in fact, it is best if you can do so! Letting the salad sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight will allow all the flavors to meld together and intensify.

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