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Creamy Macaroni Salad with Bacon and Peas

creamy macaroni salad with bacon and peas - featured image
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A creamy, smoky, and fresh macaroni salad featuring crispy bacon and sweet peas, perfect for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Lay 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a single layer. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until crispy but still slightly chewy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Thaw frozen peas by running under warm water or letting sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Drain well. Finely chop celery and red onion.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add drained pasta, chopped bacon, peas, celery, and red onion to the dressing. Gently fold together without mashing peas or pasta. Add chopped parsley if desired.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Cook bacon until crispy but still slightly chewy for best texture. Chill salad for at least 1 hour before serving to meld flavors. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use dairy-free mayonnaise. Add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy or keep separate and mix in last minute.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, bacon, peas, creamy pasta salad, picnic side, barbecue side dish

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/creamy-macaroni-salad-with-bacon-and-peas-easy-recipe-for-perfect-picnic-side/