BLT Macaroni Salad: A Perfect Summer Side Dish Recipe

Sometimes you just want a salad that tastes like a sandwich, and BLT Macaroni Salad does exactly that. It mixes crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes with soft macaroni in a creamy dressing. The result is kinda surprising but totally yummy. Even picky eaters dont mind giving it a try.

This salad is real handy for any gathering. Whether it’s a summer cookout, a lazy picnic, or a potluck at school, it fits right in. You can even switch things up with cheese, avocado, or turkey bacon if you prefer. Serve it as a side or eat it alone – either way it’s a winner with friends and family.

1. Introduction

BLT Macaroni Salad is a fun mash-up of the classic BLT sandwich and your favorite creamy macaroni salad. You get the salty crunch of bacon, the crisp lettuce bits, and little pops of tomato all wrapped around elbow macaroni. It's like eating two good things at once.

The best part is how easy it is to make and change up. Want it lighter? Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Need more color? Throw in some bell peppers or herbs. It’s great for cookouts, lunch boxes, or just a snack when you’re hungary.

2. History of BLT Macaroni Salad

The BLT sandwich became popular in the early 1900s because it was simple and tasty. Over time, people started chopping up those same ingredients into salads. Macaroni salad was already a go-to side dish, so mixing them was a no-brainer.

As folks got more creative in the kitchen, combining BLT flavors with macaroni salad felt natural. Today, you’ll see this salad at almost every summer party. It’s easy to make in big batches and pleases a crowd, even the ones who think they dont like salad.

3. Flavor Profile and Ingredients

This salad’s got a little bit of every thing: salty bacon, crunchy lettuce, sweet juicy tomatoes, and soft macaroni all coated in a creamy dressing. Each bite is a balance of savory and refreshing, which makes it hard to stop eating.

Key Ingredients:

• Bacon: The main star that gives smokey flavor.
• Lettuce: Adds fresh crunch – romaine works best.
• Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweet and small, but you can use any kinda tomato.
• Mayonnaise: The glue that holds it all together – you can swap in Greek yogurt if you want.
• Macaroni: The soft pasta that makes it filling.

You can also use turkey bacon for less fat, or add avocado for creaminess. Herbs like dill or parsley give extra zip. Just dont overthink it – pick what you like.

4. Detailed BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 6 slices crisp bacon, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped green onions, hard-boiled eggs

Directions:

1. Cook macaroni as the package says. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let it cool.
2. In a skillet, fry bacon over medium heat till it’s crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop.
3. In a big bowl, mix macaroni, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce.
4. In another bowl, whisk mayo, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour over macaroni mix and toss gently.
5. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour so flavors meld.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcook the pasta – al dente is best.
• Use fresh ingredients so it dont get soggy.
• Keep leftovers in an airtight container. Eat within 3 days.

5. Serving Suggestions and Pairings

BLT Macaroni Salad goes great with burgers, hot dogs, or grilled chicken. For a full spread, serve with crusty bread or crackers. Garnish with chives or parsley for a pop of color.

It’s perfect for picnics because you can make it a day ahead. Just dont add lettuce till right before eating so it stays crisp.

6. Variations and Add-Ins

You can swap bacon for smoked tofu or crispy chickpeas to make it vegetarian. Use Greek yogurt or mashed avocado instead of mayo for a healthier twist.

Other fun add-ins:

• Cheese: Feta or cheddar adds extra flavor.
• Avocado: For creaminess and good fats.
• Herbs: Basil, dill, or cilantro for freshness.

Want to make it a meal? Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or extra beans for protein.

7. Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Store BLT Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 3 days for top taste. If you want to prep early, keep lettuce separate and add before serving.

Freezing isn’t a good idea because the mayo dressing and veggies get weird. Instead, mix leftovers into an omelet or use as a sandwich filling.

8. Conclusion

BLT Macaroni Salad is an easy and tasty dish that combines two classics into one. Its creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. Try it for your next party or just a weeknight dinner, and feel free to make it your own with different add-ins.

9. FAQs Section

• Can I make BLT Macaroni Salad ahead of time? Yes, chilling it helps the flavors, so make it a few hours early.
• What kind of bacon is best? Crispy bacon is ideal. You can use turkey or vegan bacon too.
• Healthier alternative to mayo? Greek yogurt or avocado both work well.
• Can I use other pasta? Sure, small shapes like shells or spirals are fine.
• Which tomatoes are best? Cherry tomatoes are easy to eat, but you can also use Roma or beefsteak diced.

BLT Macaroni Salad

BLT Macaroni Salad is a delightful twist on the classic macaroni salad, perfect as a side for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large pot
• 1 colander
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 whisk
• 1 cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper

Instructions

 

• Boil water in a large pot. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• While the macaroni cooks, prepare the dressing. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and red onion.
• Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
• Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
• Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra bacon and cherry tomatoes if desired.

Notes

For a healthier twist, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado or cheese for additional flavor.

This salad can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.