Welcome, dear friend! I’m so grateful you’re here—thanks for stopping by and bringing your appetite. I promised you a recipe that’s versatile, fun, and absolutely delicious, and here it is: BLT Macaroni Salad. It takes all the soul of a classic BLT and transforms it into the perfect pasta salad for picnics, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Let’s dive in!
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🧾 Overview of the Recipe
What’s Inside:
Elbow macaroni
Creamy mayo-based dressing
Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce
Why You’ll Love It:
Layered flavor: smoky bacon, tangy dressing, crisp veggies
Make-ahead friendly: simply toss and chill until serving
Potluck MVP: easy to customize and scale for any crowd
Think of each bite—creamy, smoky, juicy, and satisfying. It’s a texture and flavor party in every forkful!
Ingredients List
1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni, uncooked
8–12 slices thick-cut bacon (depending on how bacon-y you like it)
1–2 cups diced tomatoes (cherry, Roma, or garden fresh)
2 cups chopped lettuce or baby spinach
¾–1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream (optional but creamy!)
2 Tbsp vinegar (apple cider or rice)
1 tsp garlic powder (or ranch seasoning)
¼–½ tsp black pepper, to taste
Salt, to balance (if needed)
Tools You’ll Need
Large pot
Frying pan or sheet tray (for bacon)
Large mixing bowl
Cutting board & knife
Serving spoon and storage container
Variations & Substitutions
Lighter variant: Swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt for tang and texture
Cheesy twist: Toss in shredded cheddar like some versions from I Heart Recipes
Green twist: Baby spinach or romaine are great alternatives to iceberg
Gluten-free: Simply use GF pasta and swap to lean turkey bacon, as noted by Food.com
🥄 Step-By-Step Instructions
Cook & Chill Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely (warm pasta absorbs too much dressing!)Cook Bacon
Fry or bake strips until crisp. Drain on paper towels, crumble into bite-size pieces—save a few extra for garnish later.Make Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream (if using), vinegar, garlic powder/ranch mix, pepper, and a pinch of salt.Combine Salad
Toss pasta, dressing, bacon, diced tomatoes, and lettuce/spinach. Mix gently but thoroughly.Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.Finish & Serve
Before serving, give it a quick toss and sprinkle bacon bits on top for crunch.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this stunning salad with:
Grilled burgers or hot dogs
Pulled pork sandwiches or ribs
Fresh watermelon, coleslaw, or corn on the cob
Ideal for summertime gatherings!
Pro Tips for Success
Keep it cool: Chill pasta before dressing to avoid soggy textures
Add bacon later: For extra crunch, fold most bacon in early and reserve some for the topping
Seed your tomatoes: Use a salad spinner after dicing for less watery salad, as one commenter suggests
Let flavors develop: Though you can serve right away, chilling 1–2 hours enhances depth. The original Paula Deen method calls for a one-hour chill before adding greens
Storage Instructions
Keep in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 3–5 days
Wait until serving day to add lettuce or cheese to keep their crunch.
❓ FAQ
Can I prep it the day before?
Yes—just hold off on adding lettuce or cheese until serving time.
Will it dry out?
If it sits longer than a couple of days, it might dry. Stir in a splash of milk or extra mayo to revive.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Leave out bacon and add smoked paprika or a meat-free bacon substitute.
Final Thoughts
In summary, this BLT Macaroni Salad is creamy, smoky, fresh, and endlessly customizable. It’s easy to whip up, travel-friendly, and guaranteed to be loved at any gathering. You’re only a few steps away from pasta-salad greatness!
🍑 More Peachy Picks You’ll Love
Summer Peach Salsa
Grilled Peach Caprese Skewers
Honey Peach Yogurt Breakfast Parfait
I’d love to see how yours turns out—drop a star rating, leave a comment, or tag me on Pinterest with your photos!
Nutritional Estimate (per ~1-cup serving)
Calories: ~350–400 kcal
Fat: ~25 g (varies by mayo & bacon)
Carbs: ~25 g
Protein: ~10 g
Thank you for cooking with me today! This pasta salad is a versatile crowd-pleaser—simple to make, easy to love. Enjoy every creamy, crunchy, savory bite.
Happy cooking and until next time!
BLT Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely before dressing.
- Fry or bake bacon strips until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into bite-size pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), vinegar, garlic powder or ranch mix, pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Gently toss cooled pasta with dressing, bacon, diced tomatoes, and lettuce or spinach until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and top with reserved bacon bits for extra crunch.
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