Description
Irresistible bacon pasta salad promises summer picnic perfection with crispy bacon bits dancing through creamy noodles. Cool pasta meets smoky bacon in a zesty blend you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking and cool quickly.
- Crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice cherry tomatoes and finely chop red onion into uniform small pieces to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
- Create creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
- Combine cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, diced onion, and fresh parsley in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over pasta mixture, gently folding ingredients to coat evenly without crushing delicate components.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop, ensuring a more harmonious taste profile.
- Serve chilled, garnishing with extra parsley for a fresh, vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Chill pasta thoroughly before mixing to prevent clumping and ensure each ingredient stays distinct and crisp.
- Crisp bacon separately and let it cool completely to maintain its crunchy texture and prevent soggy results in the salad.
- Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that reduces overall calorie content and adds protein.
- Prepare this dish a day ahead to enhance flavor development, allowing ingredients to marinate and create a more complex taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg