Bacon Tomato Macaroni Salad Recipe

Ingredients for Bacon Tomato Macaroni Salad

• 1 pound macaroni
• 4 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• Tomatoes
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

How to Make Bacon Tomato Macaroni Salad

1. Cook 1 pound macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. While macaroni cooks, fry 4 slices of bacon until crispy. Remove bacon from pan, crumble, and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon grease.
3. Dice 1/2 cup red onion, 1/2 cup celery, and 1/2 cup cucumber.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon, diced onion, celery, and cucumber.
5. Dice 1 cup of ripe tomatoes and add to the bowl.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. (Alternatively, whisk the mayonnaise and vinegar together before adding to the macaroni mixture for even distribution)
7. Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the macaroni and vegetables. Gently toss to coat evenly.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder.