Confetti Macaroni Salad

I was trying to find a way to incorporate more protein into one of my favorites, macaroni salad. This one did the trick! Adjust the salt and pepper amounts to suit your taste.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 12-15

Ingredients

• 10  ounces elbow macaroni
• 1  cup  shredded cheddar cheese
• 2  hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced
• 5  slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 1⁄2 green pepper, diced
• 20  pepperoni slices, halved
• 2  stalks celery, diced
• 1  cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 2  tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  Mrs. Dash seasoning mix
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Cook the macaroni as directed until *just* done.
2. Drain and rinse with cool water.
3. Combine the cheese, eggs, pepperoni, bacon and vegetables in a medium sized bowl.
4. Add the well-drained macaroni, the Mrs. Dash seasoning and the mayonnaise.
5. Mix lightly to coat the macaroni.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Let set in the fridge at least one hour to let the flavors mingle.