Sam When it comes to comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and celebration-ready, creamy macaroni salad with bacon checks all the boxes. This chilled pasta salad combines tender elbow macaroni, crispy bacon, crunchy veggies, and a rich, tangy dressing for a dish that’s always the first to disappear at family cookouts. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or a special Father’s Day feast, this make-ahead salad brings creamy texture and smoky flavor that dads love.
Few dishes capture the spirit of Father’s Day quite like this creamy bacon macaroni salad. It’s satisfying without being heavy, loaded with texture from crisp vegetables and salty bacon, and finished with a dressing that brings it all together. This isn’t just a filler side—it’s a feature on any cookout table. Plus, it travels well and tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead recipe for busy hosts.
The best part? It only takes a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes of prep, so you can spend more time enjoying the celebration instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Whether Dad prefers ribs, grilled steak, or smoked chicken, this bacon-packed pasta salad will be the dish that ties the whole meal together.
Want to understand the science behind creamy salad dressings? Check out this article from Science Direct on emulsification. Curious about bacon’s nutritional value? Here’s what Nutritionix says about bacon and its dietary impact. Wondering how long pasta salad lasts in the fridge? Read this food safety guide from the FDA.
Best Ever Creamy Macaroni Salad with Bacon (Perfect for Father’s Day)
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- ½ cup diced red onion or use sweet onion for milder flavor
- Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.– Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it quickly.
- Cook the Bacon: While pasta cooks, fry or bake bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: – In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped bacon, celery, bell pepper, and onion. – Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently until fully coated.
- Chill and Serve: – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) before serving. – Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Notes
RECIPE OVERVIEW
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cuisine: American / Summer BBQ
- Servings: 8–10
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1–2 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: ~30 minutes (plus chilling)
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 9g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Budget Breakdown
- Elbow macaroni: ~$1.00
- Bacon (thick-cut): ~$4.00
- Mayo, mustard, vinegar, seasonings: ~$2.00
- Veggies (celery, onion, bell pepper): ~$2.00
- Total Cost: ~$9.00
- Cost per Serving: ~$1.12
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Macaroni Salad with Bacon
- Loaded with crispy bacon for smoky flavor
- Ultra-creamy dressing that doesn’t dry out
- Perfect cold pasta salad for hot summer days
- Easy to make ahead—gets better as it chills
- Customizable for picky eaters or dietary needs
Perfect For:
- Father’s Day cookouts and backyard BBQs
- Summer potlucks and holiday weekends
- Easy side dishes for burgers, ribs, or fried chicken
- Make-ahead lunch or picnic sides
- Family gatherings or crowd-pleasing buffets
Behind the Recipe
This recipe is inspired by my dad’s favorite side dish—classic macaroni salad—but with a bacon-loaded twist. It’s one of those dishes that hits the nostalgia button while still offering something bold and crave-worthy. By adding chopped bacon, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a tangy-sweet dressing, this version becomes the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
The balance of salty, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors makes it ideal for pairing with grilled meats like BBQ chicken, pulled pork, or ribs. It also travels well, which means you can prep it ahead and serve it cold straight from the cooler at your Father’s Day picnic or family potluck.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- ½ cup diced red onion (or use sweet onion for milder flavor)
- Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Macaroni: Elbow is classic, but you can use rotini or shells. Cook until just al dente.
- Bacon: Thick-cut gives the best crunch and flavor; cook until crispy and drain well.
- Celery & Peppers: Add fresh crunch and color.
- Red Onion: For a little bite and visual contrast—soak in cold water to reduce sharpness.
- Mayo + Mustard: Creamy, tangy combo that holds everything together.
How to Make Creamy Macaroni Salad with Bacon
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it quickly.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- While pasta cooks, fry or bake bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped bacon, celery, bell pepper, and onion.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently until fully coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it holds its shape after chilling.
- Rinse pasta with cold water immediately to stop cooking.
- Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving—flavors meld better.
- Add bacon right before serving if you want it extra crisp.
- Double the dressing if you like it extra creamy.
Easy Variations
- No-Mayo Option: Use half Greek yogurt, half mayo, or all yogurt.
- Add Protein: Toss in diced hard-boiled eggs or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- Make It Sweet: Add sweet pickle relish or chopped apple for a touch of sweetness.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the dressing.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon or use crispy chickpeas or smoked almonds.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare 1–2 days in advance for best flavor.
- Transport Tip: Keep chilled in a cooler with ice if taking outdoors.
- Revive Creaminess: Stir in a little extra mayo or vinegar before serving leftovers.
🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜
Serve creamy macaroni salad with bacon alongside:
- Grilled steak or baby back ribs
- Fried chicken or BBQ drumsticks
- Corn on the cob or baked beans
- Sweet tea, lemonade, or iced beer
It’s a perfect side for Father’s Day feasts or any summertime meal where bold, satisfying flavor is a must.
Frequently Asked Questions
The creaminess comes from a balanced dressing made with mayo, Dijon mustard, and vinegar that coats the pasta without becoming greasy.
Yes. This salad tastes better when made the night before, giving flavors time to blend. Just stir and garnish before serving.
Store in an airtight container and stir in extra mayo or a splash of vinegar before serving if needed.
Hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheese, peas, corn, or diced pickles are all great additions to customize your salad.
Absolutely. Greek yogurt offers a lighter, tangy twist and still gives a creamy texture. Use plain, full-fat yogurt for best results.
It will keep for 3–4 days in the fridge if stored properly. Stir before serving to revive texture.
This version is best served cold, especially on warm days or as a side for grilled dishes.
Freezing is not recommended. The dressing may separate, and the pasta can become mushy when thawed.
It pairs well with grilled meats, corn on the cob, baked beans, or other picnic classics.
Yes. Omit the bacon or use a plant-based alternative like smoked almonds or veggie bacon for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Final Thoughts
This creamy macaroni salad with bacon isn’t just a side dish—it’s a Father’s Day staple. Bursting with flavor and texture, it checks every box for a make-ahead, crowd-pleasing cold pasta salad. Whether you’re grilling steaks, smoking ribs, or laying out a spread of picnic classics, this salad brings it all together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
With crispy bacon, crunchy vegetables, and a smooth, tangy dressing, it’s a dish that gets better with time—perfect for prepping in advance and serving chilled when the party starts. If you want to serve something Dad (and the whole family) will rave about, this is the salad to make.
From backyard BBQs to potluck tables, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your warm-weather recipe rotation.
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📌 Pin This Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad with Bacon
Tender elbow pasta, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy-sweet creamy dressing make this cold pasta salad perfect for Father’s Day and summer cookouts!
