Best 2 Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad Recipes

When it comes to summer gatherings, few side dishes are as beloved as creamy, savory macaroni salad. Its versatility makes it a welcome addition to any potluck or picnic and its ability to be customized with your favorite ingredients means you can create a dish that everyone will enjoy. If you're looking for a recipe that will wow your friends and family, look no further than bacon ranch macaroni salad. With its smoky bacon, tangy ranch dressing, and tender macaroni, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

BACON RANCH MACARONI SALAD

Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad image

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

Ingredients

6 slices bacon
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
½ small red onion, diced very small
½ small green bell pepper, diced very small
1 (1 ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix
1 (8 ounce) package Cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes

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

Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad image

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

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) box noodles, cooked and chilled
5 -7 slices bacon (I use turkey)
1/2 cup peas, canned, or frozen (if using frozen, boil & cool before adding)
1/2 cup carrot, shredded
1 ranch dressing mix
3/4-1 1/4 cup Miracle Whip light (sufficient to coat)

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:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, crisp bacon, and a flavorful ranch dressing will make all the difference in the taste of your macaroni salad.
Cook the pasta al dente: This means that the pasta should be cooked until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and will not hold its shape well in the salad.
Let the pasta cool completely before adding the other ingredients: This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Use a light hand when adding the dressing: You want the salad to be flavorful, but not swimming in dressing. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Bacon ranch macaroni salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. With its creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and tender pasta, it is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or picnic. So next time you are looking for a new salad recipe to try, give bacon ranch macaroni salad a try. You won't be disappointed!