The Easiest Macaroni Salad You’ll Make this Holiday Season (2021)

The holidays approached us in what felt like the blink of an eye. One day I am sitting under the sun in sunny Central Park and the next there is snow falling down my windows just days after Thanksgiving. My days have gotten longer and busier so when I decided to make a few things for Thanksgiving I knew I had to make a simple yet impressive side dish.

Thanksgiving has come and gone with Christmas quickly knocking at our doors. I wanted to share this very quick and simple recipe of a classic macaroni salad that I chose to jazz up a bit by adding crispy pancetta.

The pancetta adds a nice salty touch which compliments all the creaminess of the mayo. Honestly you can add any vegetable that you’d like and omit the bacon for a vegetarian option. Although a very basic recipe, its one that must be shared with family and friends at your next holiday gathering.

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Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 22 min

Ingredients:

• 1lb of macaroni or small pasta shape

• 1 medium sized yellow bell pepper cut into small dice

• 1 medium sized red pepper cut into small dice

• 1 small shallot cut into small dice

• 1 stock of celery cut into small dice

• 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon of chili pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon of crushed black pepper

• 1/2 table spoon of salt (adjust if needed )

• 1 pinch of chili flakes

• 1 teaspoon of sugar

• 1 1/2 cup of mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup of white vinegar

• 8oz of cooked pancetta

• 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard (secret touch)

Method:

1. In a large pot bring salted water to a boil, water should taste like the salty ocean.

2. When the water begins to boil, add in the pasta and cook as directed on the box.

3. While the pasta is cooking start prepping your vegetables. Washing, dicing and adding to a mixing bowl.

4. Bring and stick pan to medium high heat and begin cooking pancetta until it is crispy and golden brown.

5. When the pasta has cooked strain into the sink and cool down with cold water.

6. In a large bowl add in the mayo, vinegar and remaining ingredients.

7. Mix the pasta well, incorporating more mayo if needed.

8. Add crispy bacon last and cool in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Happy Holidays! Enjoy