Ingredients and Weight:
- Macaroni - 400 grams
- Bacon - 250 grams
- Cheddar Cheese - 150 grams (shredded)
- Mayonnaise - 1 cup
- Red Onion - 1 small (chopped)
- Salt and Pepper - to taste
- Garlic Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Mixed Salad Greens - 2 cups (romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, etc.)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes (including cooking time for macaroni)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for macaroni)
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty - requires attention to detail and timing)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare macaroni according to package instructions and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni, chopped red onion, and mixed salad greens.
- In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add bacon pieces and shredded cheese to the macaroni mixture.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently until combined.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish and bake for 10-15 minutes in the preheated oven to warm the salad and slightly crisp the bacon.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving)
Calories: approximately 600 calories (depending on the amount of additional ingredients added)
Fat: 36g, Carbohydrates: 63g, Protein: 20g, Sodium: 600mg (based on ingredients listed)
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich flavor due to the combination of bacon and mayonnaise.
- Warm and hearty salad that is perfect for colder weather or as a side dish for a hearty meal.
- The dish combines the flavors of a traditional American macaroni salad with the added crunch of bacon and cheese for a unique twist.
User Comments:
- "This is an excellent dish! The combination of flavors is superb." - John Doe, New York.
- "The bacon adds a nice crunch to this salad, making it stand out from other macaroni salads I've tried." - Jane Smith, California.
- "I love how this salad can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving for a great presentation." - Michael Johnson, Texas.
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure to cook the macaroni according to package instructions to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- For best results, use fresh ingredients like bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes that are in season for maximum flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
