Macaroni Salad With Bacon

Macaroni Salad with Bacon is a different way to make a traditional macaroni salad. This is a very versatile recipe. You can add different vegetables, like peas, to the dish.  Switch out the bacon and use ham, diced chicken, turkey, or salami. You can also add some cheese to this salad for another different flavor and variation.

Ingredients

2 c. uncooked macaroni
1 tomato, diced *see note below
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 sweet pepper, seeded and chopped
1 carrot, shredded
1 onion, chopped
1 1/4 c. mayonnaise
1/2 Tbs. sugar
1 1/2 Tbs. vinegar
1/2 to 1 Tbs. prepared mustard
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 hard-boiled egg, sliced (optional)
1 lb. bacon, fried crisp and crumbled

Direction

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water.  Transfer to a large bowl.

Add the tomato, celery, sweet pepper, carrot, and onion to the macaroni. Stir to combine.

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the macaroni and vegetable mixture and toss to coat. 

Refrigerate for 24 hours for the flavors to mingle for the best flavor. Just before serving, mix in the crumpled bacon.  Place the sliced boiled egg over the top.  Serve and enjoy.

* If someone does not like tomatoes, you can cut them in slices and arrange them over the top or omit them.

** You can also add some cucumber slices in the salad.