Creamy Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups (200g) elbow macaroni 2 cups (200g) elbow macaroni
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
• 1/4 cup (40g) diced red onion 1/4 cup (40g) diced red onion
• 1/2 cup (60g) diced celery 1/2 cup (60g) diced celery
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix well until smooth.
3. 3.
   Add the cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and diced celery to the bowl. Toss gently to coat the macaroni and ingredients with the dressing.
4. 4.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — For a crispier texture, bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes instead of frying it in a pan.

Tips & Tricks

• To add some extra crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips on top of the salad before serving.
• For a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing.
• Customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped pickles.
• Make the salad ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight for even better flavor.
• If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the diced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad as a side dish alongside grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches. It pairs well with barbecue dishes and is a great addition to summer picnics or potluck gatherings.

Presentation advice

Garnish the macaroni salad with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates, and make sure to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients.