Name: BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup iceberg lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

There is something unbelievably comforting and delightful about a BLT Macaroni Salad that just brings a smile with every bite. This vibrant salad captures the classic BLT flavors—crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes—and combines them with tender elbow macaroni, tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that perfectly balances richness and zing. Whether you’re packing a picnic, making a potluck contribution, or craving a fresh twist on a staple side dish, this BLT Macaroni Salad is your new go-to for satisfying, colorful, and downright delicious warm-weather eats.

BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this BLT Macaroni Salad comes down to simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find but essential to the flavor and texture harmony. Each element plays a crucial role: the macaroni provides a tender, chewy base; bacon adds irresistible crunch and smoky goodness; fresh veggies bring delightful juiciness and crunch; and the dressing ties everything together with creamy, tangy brightness.

2 cups elbow macaroni: Choose elbow macaroni to hold onto the dressing perfectly and provide tender bites.
6 slices bacon: Cook until crispy for that irresistibly smoky crunch in every forkful.
1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add fresh juiciness and a pop of vibrant color.
1 cup iceberg lettuce: Chopped iceberg lettuce lends a refreshing crispness without overpowering the other flavors.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing, bringing richness and melding the ingredients beautifully.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the dressing’s flavor profile.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Infuses the dressing with bright acidity to balance the richness.
Salt: To taste, heightening and rounding out all the flavors.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a mild kick that complements the salad beautifully.

How to Make BLT Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cooking it just until al dente—typically around 8 to 10 minutes—is key so the pasta holds its shape and doesn’t turn mushy when tossed with the other ingredients. Once cooked, drain the macaroni well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely. This step ensures that your salad stays fresh and perfectly textured.

Step 2: Cook and Chop the Bacon

While the macaroni boils, cook your bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they turn irresistibly crispy. This crispy texture is crucial as it contrasts perfectly with the softer macaroni and juicy veggies. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto paper towels to drain excess fat and cool. Then chop it into bite-sized pieces that will distribute delightfully throughout the salad.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled macaroni, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped iceberg lettuce. This mix already looks fantastic with a variety of textures and vibrant colors—it’s like a celebration in a bowl. Each ingredient brings something special: the salty crunch from bacon, fresh bursts from tomatoes, and crisp lettuce meet tender macaroni in perfect harmony.

Step 4: Whisk the Dressing

Take a small bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and cohesive. This dressing is the heart of your BLT Macaroni Salad, marrying creamy richness with a touch of tangy brightness that lifts the whole dish. Taste it and adjust seasoning so it’s just right for your palate.

Step 5: Toss and Chill

Pour the dressing over your macaroni mixture and gently toss everything to ensure every piece is lightly coated but nothing gets too soggy. The goal is a luscious, creamy texture that’s still light enough to showcase the fresh ingredients. Once combined, pop the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the salad chill—this step honestly takes it from good to spectacular.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

After chilling, your BLT Macaroni Salad is ready to shine. Scoop it into bowls or serving dishes, and get ready for compliments, because this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of smoky bacon, zesty dressing, fresh veggies, and comforting pasta keeps you reaching for another forkful, guaranteed.

How to Serve BLT Macaroni Salad

Garnishes

To elevate your BLT Macaroni Salad presentation, sprinkle finely chopped fresh chives, a few extra crispy bacon bits, or even a little shredded cheddar cheese on top. These garnishes add layers of flavor while giving the salad an inviting look that calls everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with classic summer fare such as grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs. It’s also a fantastic complement to barbecue ribs or a light seafood dish, offering a cool, creamy contrast that refreshes the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve BLT Macaroni Salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or small lettuce cups for individual portions. You can also use it as a hearty sandwich filling inside a toasted baguette or pita pocket, turning this classic salad into a handheld delight perfect for picnics or casual lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BLT Macaroni Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after resting a bit longer, but the lettuce may soften slightly, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within the first couple of days.

Freezing

Because of the lettuce and mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing BLT Macaroni Salad is not recommended. Freezing will compromise the texture of the fresh ingredients and cause the dressing to separate upon thawing, resulting in a less appetizing dish.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served chilled and does not require reheating. For the best experience, keep it cold right until serving to maintain its refreshing qualities and satisfying crunch from the bacon and lettuce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for BLT Macaroni Salad?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and perfect for holding the dressing, you can swap in small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne depending on what you have on hand. Just make sure it’s bite-sized for easy mixing and eating.

How can I make BLT Macaroni Salad healthier?

You can lighten the mayonnaise by mixing it with Greek yogurt or use an avocado-based dressing. Additionally, opt for turkey bacon or a lower-sodium bacon alternative to reduce fat and sodium content while still enjoying that delicious smoky flavor.

Is it okay to prepare the salad a day ahead?

Yes! Preparing the salad a day in advance allows the flavors to meld for even tastier results. Just keep it chilled and add fresh lettuce right before serving to maintain that crisp texture.

Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?

Definitely. For a vegetarian BLT Macaroni Salad, try adding smoked paprika-roasted chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms to replicate that smoky, savory element. You’ll still get a satisfying flavor without the bacon.

What’s the best way to make the salad less soggy?

To keep things crisp, make sure to drain and rinse the pasta thoroughly to remove excess starch. Adding the dressing right before serving or chilling the salad without dressing and tossing it just before serving also helps maintain freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this BLT Macaroni Salad enough for anyone craving a deliciously fresh yet hearty dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color. It’s truly one of those salads that effortlessly elevates any meal and brings comforting nostalgia to your table. Give it a try—you might just discover your own favorite new twist on a classic!

BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This BLT Macaroni Salad is a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, combining crispy bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, and crunchy iceberg lettuce with tender elbow macaroni. Tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and Dijon mustard dressing with a hint of apple cider vinegar, this refreshing pasta salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a flavorful side dish any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

2 cups elbow macaroni
6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup iceberg lettuce, chopped

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
Prepare the bacon: While the macaroni is cooking, cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
Mix salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, chopped crispy bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped iceberg lettuce.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Serve the BLT macaroni salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal. Enjoy!

Notes

You can substitute iceberg lettuce with romaine for a slightly different texture and flavor.
For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise.
Make sure to cool the macaroni completely before mixing to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir before serving.
Adding a dash of smoked paprika or chopped green onions can enhance the flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling, Mixing
Cuisine: American