Macaroni Salad by Ida Mae

I was given this recipe in high school, and have tweaked it to my heart's content. Watch out---It doesn't last long.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 12  ounces small shell pasta (any macaroni would work)
•  cheddar cheese, diced
• 1 1⁄2 cups celery, diced
•  bacon, fried and diced
• 1 (16 ounce) can peas, drained*
• 1  piece green pepper, diced
•  salt & pepper
•  Miracle Whip or  mayonnaise, thinned

Directions

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. Add remaining ingredients. Refrigerate a few hours to blend flavors.
3. NOTE: Taste salad after a few hours. May need to salt, pepper, add more mayonnaise, etc.
4. VARIATIONS:.
5. I have altered this recipe a variety of ways, depending on what I have in the house.
6. ~~ Ham instead of bacon.
7. ~~ 1/2 to 3/4 bag of frozen peas instead of can of peas (pour on hot macaroni in colander---the macaroni cools, the peas thaw). Then add remaining ingredients.
8. ~~ Add mustard, honey mustard, parsley flakes, dried onion, etc. to mayonnaise mixture.