BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe
A Cool, Creamy, and Flavor-Packed Pasta Salad Inspired by the Classic Sandwich
If you’re looking for the perfect side dish for your next summer barbecue, picnic, or potluck, this BLT Macaroni Salad is about to become your new go-to recipe. It takes everything you love about the classic BLT sandwich — crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce — and mixes it into a cool, creamy, comforting pasta salad that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It’s incredibly easy to make, full of texture and flavor, and can be customized to your taste. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as a light lunch on its own, this BLT macaroni salad is fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time (Optional): 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 6–8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or use 2 medium tomatoes, diced)
- 1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped green onions or red onions, and shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until just al dente — typically around 7–8 minutes.
Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta down quickly. Set aside to dry slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Bacon
While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease, then crumble or chop it into small bite-sized pieces.
Time-Saver Tip: Use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits if you’re short on time.
3. Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
This tangy, creamy dressing ties the salad together and adds that signature BLT richness.
4. Assemble the Salad
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the dressing and stir until well coated.
Then gently fold in the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled bacon.
If you’re adding any extras like green onions or cheddar cheese, stir them in now.
5. Chill (Optional but Recommended)
For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and gives the pasta time to soak up the dressing.
Note: Add the lettuce just before serving if you plan to refrigerate for more than a few hours — this helps keep it crisp and fresh.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with a bit of extra bacon, tomato, or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can cook the pasta and bacon the day before, then assemble everything just before serving for the freshest texture.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Make it lighter: Use light mayo and Greek yogurt.
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken or diced turkey for a heartier salad.
- Cheesy version: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella.
- Extra crunch: Add chopped celery or cucumbers.
- Spicy twist: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped pickled jalapeños.
Why You’ll Love This BLT Macaroni Salad
- Simple ingredients, BIG flavor
- A fun twist on a classic sandwich
- Perfect make-ahead dish for parties and BBQs
- Kid-friendly and fully customizable
This BLT Macaroni Salad is the ultimate fusion of comfort food and fresh summer flavors. Whether you’re bringing it to a cookout, serving it as a side at dinner, or enjoying leftovers for lunch, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.
