Versatile Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

Submitted by Texas Pete

"This best version of Macaroni salad I have ever tasted."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Yields: 10 cups
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
• 10 slices maple flavored bacon
• 4 tablespoons ranch salad dressing
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1⁄2 cups Hellmann's mayonnaise
• 1⁄2 cup milk (as needed)
• 2 roma tomatoes, diced
• sliced black olives
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 5 green onions, stalks sliced

directions

1. Cook macaroni al dente in salted water.
2. dice raw bacon and fry till crispy.
3. In a small bowl mix ranch packet, Garlic powder, mayo and milk together.
4. Combine rest of ingredients in large bowl.
5. chill and serve.

Reviews

[cocktails]

I was a bit confused with the directions. It said 4 tablespoons of ranch dressing, then in the directions it said from the packet. I used the dressing. I was a bit too mayo based, but I know with some cut backs, this would be incredible. Great start. I would cut the mayo to a cup, add 4 tbl spoons of ranch dressing, use real garlic instead of powder, and I added some smoked white cheddar, garlic cheese. I will make this again. Thank you!

 

[AZPARZYCH]

Great macaroni salad!! DH loves the boxed ranch flavored Suddenly Salad and this is similar, but ten times better!! Made as written but left out the olives since I didn't have any. This will be my new go to macaroni salad recipe!! Made for Down on the Farm Tag.