I like to think this recipe converts them over because of the chicken and bacon, because who doesn’t love bacon?! But also because of the dressing. Even my mayo-hating husband loves this mac salad! Other reader favorite noteworthy side-dish salads to make for parties, BBQs and warmer weather are: 4 bean salad, broccoli salad, Italian pasta salad, and this healthy potato salad. This salad is packed with al dente macaroni noodles, colorful red bell peppers, red onion, celery, fresh parsley, carrots and the crispy crunch of bacon bits. Of course you can’t forget the diced pieces of moist chicken that makes this an over-the-top side dish, or an amazing well balanced meal. This creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad looks like you put hours into making it, but it is so quick and easy to make, especially if you prep the veggies the day before. The history of Macaroni Salad dates back to 1914 and there are theories that it comes from the melting of two cultures: Macaroni from Italian immigrants and the mayonnaise based salads from the German immigrants. Whether it’s old fashioned, traditional, classic, Southern, Hawaiian, Shrimp or my Chicken Macaroni Salad, macaroni salad ranks as being one of America’s favorites and my Chicken Macaroni Salad will be one of yours as well!
Mayo: adds fat, salt and acidity to the dressing. Sour cream: Sour cream ads a rich, thick creaminess to the dressing Distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Distilled vinegar has a more neutral flavor where apple cider vinegar has a slightly fruity flavor. Either option works great in this salad dressing. Sugar: The best dressing has the perfect blend of flavors and sugar helps balance out the acidic bite and saltiness. Dijon mustard: Dijon adds a spicy and tangy flavor to the creamy dressing. Sweet pickle relish: The best sweet pickle relish adds layers of flavors to your salad. Dry elbow macaroni: There are several macaroni options but elbow is one of my favorites for this chicken macaroni salad recipe, Carrots shredded: Shredding the carrots adds great texture to the salad. Red bell pepper: The vibrant colors and freshness of the peppers, onion and celery add a wonderful crispness to the salad. Chicken: feel free to use any leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken for ease. Bacon: The bits of bacon mixed throughout the salad add the perfect crisp and salty flavor to the salad.
