This Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad is a delicious twist on a classic summer side dish. It combines the creamy flavors of ranch dressing with the smoky and savory taste of bacon. The macaroni gives the salad a hearty and satisfying texture, while the addition of vegetables adds a fresh and crunchy element. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, picnic, or just as a tasty side dish for dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone.
The key to making this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad is to cook the macaroni until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will ensure that the pasta holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the dressing. After cooking and draining the macaroni, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This will also help prevent the macaroni from sticking together.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for making Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad are:
- Macaroni – 2 cups of elbow macaroni are used as the base for this salad.
- Bacon – 6 strips of crispy bacon are cooked and crumbled into the salad for added flavor and texture.
- Ranch dressing – 1/2 cup of creamy ranch dressing is used to bind the ingredients together and provide a tangy flavor.
- Mayonnaise – 1/4 cup of mayonnaise is added to make the salad creamy and rich.
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes are included to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Red onion – 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion adds a mild onion flavor to the salad.
- Celery – 1/4 cup of chopped celery provides a crunchy texture and a hint of freshness.
- Parsley – 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley are added for a touch of herbiness.
- Salt and pepper – A pinch of salt and pepper are used to season the salad to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad
To make the Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients, which include:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once you have all the ingredients, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set it aside to cool.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it into small pieces, and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, red onion, and parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Add the crumbled bacon and mix it in gently.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give it a stir and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also garnish it with additional parsley if desired.
Your delicious Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue or picnic.
Expert Tips for Making Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad
When it comes to making a delicious Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad, professional chefs have a few tips and tricks up their sleeves. Here are some expert suggestions to take your macaroni salad to the next level:
- Choose the right pasta: To enhance the texture and flavor of your macaroni salad, opt for a pasta variety that can hold up well with the other ingredients. Shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini are great choices as they have nooks and crannies to catch the ranch dressing and bacon.
- Perfect the ranch dressing: The key to a flavorful macaroni salad is the ranch dressing. Instead of using store-bought dressing, make your own by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, garlic powder, and buttermilk. This will add a tangy and creamy taste to the salad.
- Add a variety of ingredients: To make your macaroni salad more interesting, consider adding different ingredients. Chopped vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and onions can provide crunch and freshness. You can also include extras like sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, or shredded cheese to add more depth of flavor.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be able to create a Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad that is bursting with flavor and sure to impress your guests.
Reviews
I recently tried the Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad recipe and it was absolutely delicious! As someone who loves both bacon and ranch, this dish was a perfect combination of flavors. The macaroni was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of bite, and the crisp bacon added a nice smoky and salty flavor.
The addition of ranch dressing gave the salad a creamy and tangy element that complemented the bacon perfectly. The combination of flavors was so well-balanced, and each bite was packed with deliciousness. I also loved the texture of the salad – the macaroni, bacon, and ranch dressing all worked together to create a creamy and satisfying dish.
One thing I really appreciated about this recipe was how easy it was to make. The ingredients were all simple and easy to find, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow. It didn’t require any advanced cooking skills, but the end result was still incredibly impressive. I will definitely be making this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad again, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves bacon, ranch, and a good pasta salad!
I recently made the Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad recipe and it turned out to be absolutely delicious! The combination of crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and perfectly cooked macaroni created a mouthwatering dish that was perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck. The flavors blended together perfectly, creating a creamy and savory salad that was a hit with everyone.
The recipe was simple to follow and didn’t require a lot of ingredients, which made it even more convenient. I cooked the macaroni until it was al dente, then drained and rinsed it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helped to ensure that the macaroni stayed firm and didn’t become overcooked and mushy.
The next step was to cook the bacon until it was crispy. I love the smell of bacon sizzling in the pan, and it added a nice smoky flavor to the salad. Once the bacon was cooked and cooled, I crumbled it into small pieces and set it aside.
In a large bowl, I combined the cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. I then mixed in the ranch dressing, ensuring that everything was well coated. I also added a sprinkle of garlic powder and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
The result was a creamy and flavorful macaroni salad that was a perfect side dish for any summer meal. The combination of bacon and ranch added a unique twist to the traditional macaroni salad, making it stand out and impressing everyone who tried it. I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a tasty and easy-to-make salad!
I recently tried the Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad and I must say, it was absolutely delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect, with the smoky bacon adding a savory element and the ranch dressing providing a creamy and tangy taste. The macaroni was cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of chewiness, and the addition of vegetables such as crunchy broccoli and juicy cherry tomatoes added a refreshing touch to the dish.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about this salad was its versatility. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course, making it a perfect option for picnics or potlucks. The flavors also complemented each other beautifully, making it a satisfying and filling meal. The portion size was generous, and I found myself going back for seconds!
The preparation of this dish was also quite simple. The recipe provided precise measurements and instructions, making it easy to follow along. The ingredients were readily available and the cooking time was minimal, making it a perfect option for a quick and delicious meal. Overall, I highly recommend trying the Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad. It is a flavorful and versatile dish that will surely impress your taste buds!
The Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad is incredibly delicious and packed with flavor. As a lover of bacon and ranch dressing, I was excited to try this recipe and it did not disappoint. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and al dente macaroni creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to please any bacon lover.
What sets this macaroni salad apart from others is the addition of ranch dressing. The creamy dressing adds a tangy and savory element to the dish, complementing the salty and smoky flavors of the bacon perfectly. The dressing also provides a nice balance to the macaroni, preventing it from becoming too dry.
The recipe was easy to follow, and the end result was absolutely delicious. I enjoyed every bite of this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad and could not get enough of the rich and savory flavors. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a potluck, as it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I highly recommend trying this recipe if you are a fan of bacon and ranch dressing – you won’t be disappointed!
