Best 2 Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad Recipes
In the realm of summer cookouts and potlucks, macaroni salad reigns supreme. This classic dish, loved by many, has countless variations, each with its unique charm. Our recipe for Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad stands out with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Picture tender macaroni pasta, crispy bacon, tangy ranch dressing, and a medley of vegetables, all coming together to create a delightful symphony of tastes.
In addition to the main recipe, we offer variations to cater to different preferences. For those who prefer a creamy version, our Creamy Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad amps up the richness with mayonnaise and sour cream. If you're looking for a lighter option, our Lightened Up Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad replaces mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, offering a healthier twist without compromising on flavor.
For those who love the classic macaroni salad but want to add a touch of smokiness, our Bacon Ranch Smoked Macaroni Salad incorporates the delicious flavor of smoked paprika. And for those who prefer a vegetarian version, our Vegetarian Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad swaps out bacon for crispy tofu, delivering a satisfying plant-based alternative.
No matter your taste, our collection of Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad recipes has something for everyone. Get ready to elevate your next gathering with this crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to become a favorite.
BACON RANCH MACARONI SALAD
Macaroni salad can sometimes be a little boring. So one day I just started adding extra ingredients and this is what I came up with. The whole family love's it! This recipe is even better if served the next day so that all of the flavors are well-incorporated. Enjoy!
Provided by ReneeW.
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Macaroni Salad Recipes
Time 4h40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 10 minutes; drain on a plate lined with paper towels until cool. Crumble the bacon.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes; drain.
- Rinse macaroni with cold water until cool; drain.
- Mix cooled macaroni, crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, red onion, green bell pepper, ranch salad dressing mix, and Cheddar cheese together in a large bowl.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 583.1 calories, Carbohydrate 47.5 g, Cholesterol 47.4 mg, Fat 35.3 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 18.1 g, SaturatedFat 10.4 g, Sodium 735.6 mg, Sugar 1.5 g
BACON RANCH MACARONI SALAD
Make and share this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Fresh Churned Butter
Categories Penne
Time 23m
Yield 3 1/2 4 cups, 7 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cut bacon into small bits and fry until very crispy. Drain and let cool.
- Shred carrots, and mix with peas, noodles, and bacon in a large bowl.
- Cover with the Miracle Whip.
- Mix in Ranch packet.
- Best if chilled overnight.
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-cooked bacon or microwave bacon for 1-2 minutes per slice until crispy.
- For a more flavorful salad, use a combination of sharp cheddar and mild cheddar cheese.
- Add some chopped green onions or chives for an extra pop of flavor and color.
- If you don't have ranch dressing mix on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 tablespoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- To make the salad ahead of time, cook the bacon and pasta according to the package directions and let them cool completely. Then, combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Conclusion:
Bacon ranch macaroni salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for any potluck, picnic, or barbecue. It is also a great make-ahead dish, so you can have it ready to serve at a moment's notice. With its creamy, tangy dressing, crispy bacon, and tender macaroni, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
#30-minutes-or-less #time-to-make #course #main-ingredient #preparation #side-dishes #pasta #pasta-rice-and-grains #elbow-macaroni
You'll also love
