By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 12
177 cal · 15 min
Bacon Parmesan Pasta Salad
Recipe GLPR0fb77ee8a758bd
A classic chilled pasta salad combining tender elbow macaroni with crispy bacon bits, creamy mayo-based dressing, and savory Italian seasonings. Topped with red pimentos for a pop of color and brightness, this make-ahead side dish is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a light appetizer.
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Ingredients
½ cup bacon bits
8 oz elbow macaroni
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Italian salad dressing mix
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
¾ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons diced pimentos
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon sea salt, plus additional to taste
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander.
Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl and let it cool completely to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
Once the pasta has cooled, add the bacon bits, Italian salad dressing mix, Italian seasoning, mayonnaise, olive oil, pimentos, and red wine vinegar to the bowl.
Toss all ingredients together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
Add ½ teaspoon of sea salt and the ground black pepper. Taste the salad and adjust the salt to your preference, adding more if needed.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This salad can be made ahead and tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors blend together.
Comments
This pasta salad hits a sweet spot for Charlotte weeknight cooking. Bacon bits, elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, and bottled Italian dressing are all standard finds at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Walmart, and ALDI—no special trips needed. The stated 15 minutes is honest if you use pre-cooked bacon bits and skip homemade pimentos (jarred work fine), though you'll realistically add five minutes for the pasta to cool slightly so the mayo doesn't break. Cost per serving lands around 60 cents to 75 cents, kept low by the bacon bits rather than fresh bacon and the mayo base. The dish is forgiving and reheats well as a cold salad for the next day, making it practical for families who want leftovers, though the mayonnaise-heavy dressing means it's not ideal to hold much past 24 hours. For a reliable, no-fuss crowd-pleaser that works for potlucks or side dishes, this delivers.
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