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creamy bacon macaroni salad

Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad With Bacon

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 Medium bowl
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 measuring cup set
  • 1 measuring spoon set
  • 1 Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 large hard-boiled eggs chopped
  • 1 cup celery finely diced
  • 3/4 cup red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup dill pickles finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon salt, and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just al dente.
  • Drain the macaroni in a colander, rinse under cold water until completely cool, and let it drain very well.
  • While the pasta cooks, place the bacon in a skillet over medium heat and cook until crisp, then transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to cool.
  • Once cool, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, dill pickles, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and parsley.
  • Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
  • Fold in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving a small handful for garnish.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
  • Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed, then garnish the top with the reserved bacon and a little extra parsley.

Notes

For best texture, be sure the macaroni is fully cooled and well-drained before adding the dressing so it doesn’t turn watery, and avoid overcooking the pasta or it will become mushy as it chills. If the salad seems a bit dry after resting, stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise to loosen it up. You can cook the bacon in advance and keep it refrigerated, but add some of it just before serving so it stays crisp. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just store it tightly covered and keep it well chilled, especially if serving outdoors.
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