The Best BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe for Summer Cookouts

Crisp bacon bits dance through creamy macaroni in this tantalizing BLT macaroni salad that promises summer picnic perfection.

Loaded with smoky, salty bacon, bright tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, each forkful delivers a mouthwatering twist on the classic sandwich combination.

The recipe captures all the beloved flavors of a traditional BLT in a cool, refreshing pasta form.

Crunchy bacon provides irresistible texture against tender macaroni noodles.

Juicy tomatoes and crisp lettuce add vibrant color and fresh crunch to every bite.

This crowd-pleasing side dish works magic at backyard barbecues, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

Prepare to be the star of your next outdoor meal with this irresistible BLT macaroni salad that everyone will devour.

Why BLT Macaroni Salad Is a Backyard Favorite

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic BLT sandwich flavors into a creamy, delightful pasta salad that brings excitement to any gathering.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasoning to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners, this salad attracts both kids and adults with its familiar and beloved flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the base salad in advance and add crispy ingredients just before serving, ensuring maximum freshness and crunch every single time.

Ingredients to Make BLT Macaroni Salad at Home

• Macaroni Pasta: A classic curved noodle perfect for salads and mixing with other ingredients.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that adds rich flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Smooth and tangy base for the salad dressing.

• White Vinegar, Sugar: Balances the dressing with sweet and tangy notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for depth of flavor.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Aromatic spices that enhance overall taste.
• Fresh Dill: Soft herb with delicate, bright flavor.

• Bacon: Crispy and salty meat that provides a satisfying crunch.

• Tomatoes, Lettuce: Fresh and crisp salad vegetables that bring color and texture.

• Milk: Optional addition to create a creamier salad consistency.

How to Toss Together BLT Macaroni Salad Quickly

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling water until tender.

Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down quickly.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sugar
• White vinegar
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Fresh dill
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Coat Pasta with Dressing

Add the cooled pasta to the dressing.

Gently toss until every pasta noodle is evenly coated.

Refrigerate for one hour to let flavors mingle.

Step 4: Crisp Up Bacon

Fry bacon until it reaches a delightful crispy texture.

Let it cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

• Ripe tomatoes (diced)
• Crisp lettuce (chopped)
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

Just before serving, add a splash of milk for extra creaminess.

• Crumbled bacon
• Chopped lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese

Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad chilled.

If preparing in advance, store bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese separately and add just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.

Tips to Keep BLT Macaroni Salad Fresh and Crisp

• Refrigerate the dressed pasta for an hour to let the dressing deeply penetrate and enhance the overall taste of the macaroni salad.
• Cook bacon until perfectly crisp to add a delightful crunch and prevent sogginess in the salad.
• Add lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent wilting.
• Adjust the dressing's consistency by adding a splash of milk for a smoother, creamier texture.
• Prepare the base salad in advance and store toppings separately to keep ingredients fresh and prevent sogginess.

How to Store and Reuse Leftover BLT Macaroni Salad

• Store the BLT Macaroni Salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the lettuce, bacon, and tomatoes separate to maintain crispness.
• Stir the salad gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and prevent ingredients from settling.
• Avoid microwaving, as mayonnaise-based dressings can separate and become oily. Enjoy cold for best taste and texture.
• If the salad seems dry, add a small splash of milk or additional dressing to revive its creamy consistency before serving.

Great Dishes to Serve Alongside BLT Macaroni Salad

• Savor Complementary Flavor Companions: Pair this zesty BLT Macaroni Salad with crisp, refreshing sides that enhance its creamy texture and bold taste.
• Sip Summer Coolers: Light, citrusy white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or chilled rosé perfectly balance the salad's rich, tangy profile, cutting through the creamy mayonnaise base.
• Crunch with Companions: Serve alongside grilled corn on the cob or buttery garlic breadsticks to add delightful textural contrast and complement the salad's bacon-studded goodness.
• Elevate with Proteins: Grilled chicken or shrimp skewers provide a lean protein option that matches the salad's summery, picnic-style vibe without overwhelming its delicate flavor balance.

Flavor Ideas and Twists for BLT Macaroni Salad

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon bits for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Garden Salad: Swap traditional macaroni with gluten-free chickpea or rice pasta for celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Remix: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter meal option.
• Greek-Inspired Mediterranean Blend: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy Mediterranean profile.

FAQs

• Why use white vinegar in the dressing?

White vinegar adds a tangy, bright flavor that balances the creamy mayonnaise and helps cut through the richness of the bacon and cheese, giving the salad a more complex taste profile.

• Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great lower-fat alternative that still provides a crispy, smoky element to the macaroni salad. Just cook it until crisp and crumble as you would regular bacon.

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the macaroni al dente and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain the pasta’s texture and prevents it from becoming soft and soggy in the salad.

• Is it necessary to refrigerate the salad before adding final ingredients?

Yes, chilling the dressed pasta helps the flavors meld together and allows the pasta to absorb the dressing, creating a more flavorful and cohesive salad.

Blt Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy “BLT Macaroni Salad” combines classic sandwich flavors in a refreshing pasta dish. Crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce mingle with al dente macaroni, promising a delightful summer side you’ll crave at every picnic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) Bacon
• 16 oz (454 grams) Macaroni Noodles
• 4 Tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups (226 grams) Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (67 grams) Romaine Lettuce, chopped

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• 3 cups (710 milliliters) Mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 3 tablespoons White Vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
• 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Dill, chopped

Additional Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious cooking vessel and bring water to a vigorous boil. Immerse macaroni noodles and cook according to package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to halt cooking and cool rapidly.
2. Select a generously sized mixing bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until the mixture transforms into a smooth, harmonious blend.
3. Transfer cooled pasta into the seasoned dressing, gently tossing until each noodle is lavishly coated. Seal the bowl and refrigerate for one hour to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
4. While chilling, transform bacon into crispy delights by cooking until perfectly golden and crunchy. Once cooled, crumble into rustic bite-sized fragments.
5. Prepare fresh accompaniments by dicing ripe tomatoes into uniform cubes and chopping lettuce into delicate, bite-friendly pieces. Shred cheddar cheese into light, airy strands.
6. When ready to serve, introduce a splash of milk to enhance the salad’s creamy texture. Gently fold in crumbled bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato chunks, and shredded cheese.
7. Toss ingredients with a light touch, ensuring even distribution. Serve chilled for maximum flavor and textural contrast.

Notes

• Chill the pasta thoroughly before mixing with dressing to prevent a soggy texture and help ingredients bind perfectly.
• Opt for thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and more robust flavor that stands up well in the salad.
• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for maximum juiciness and crisp lettuce to maintain textural contrast in the final dish.
• Consider Greek yogurt as a healthier mayonnaise alternative that adds tanginess and reduces overall calories without compromising creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg