If you’re looking for that ultimate combination of flavor, crunch, and pure comfort, BLT Macaroni Salad is calling your name. Picture all the best parts of your favorite classic sandwich — smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce — tossed with tender pasta and enveloped in a creamy, tangy dressing. This dish is both nostalgic and totally refreshing, making it an irresistible star at picnics, cookouts, or even weeknight dinners. Whether you serve it chilled on a sunny patio or prep it ahead for a lunchbox treat, BLT Macaroni Salad always brings a burst of fun and flavor with every bite.

BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things honest and delicious with a handful of familiar, easy-to-find ingredients. Each item in BLT Macaroni Salad brings something special, from the smokiness of bacon to the cool snap of fresh lettuce, ensuring every spoonful is loaded with taste, color, and texture.

Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): The perfect pasta shape to trap all the creamy dressing and tidbits of bacon and tomato.
Bacon (6 slices, cooked crisp and crumbled): Adds unmistakable smokiness and savory crunch to the salad.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bursting with sweet-tart juiciness, they brighten up each bite.
Chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce (1 cup): Offers that satisfying BLT crunch — make sure it’s fresh and crisp!
Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy binder that gives the salad its luscious old-school vibe.
Sour cream (¼ cup): Balances the dressing with a subtle tang; Greek yogurt works as a lighter swap.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings gentle heat and sharpness to cut through the richness.
White vinegar or lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Lifts the flavors and keeps the salad tasting bright.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Provides a savory background note that ties the dressing together.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for highlighting every ingredient and keeping the dressing lively.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick right at the finish.
Chopped fresh chives or green onions (2 tablespoons, optional): For a final hit of freshness and gentle onion flavor.

How to Make BLT Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente — you want it just tender, not mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to halt the cooking process and ensure your BLT Macaroni Salad stays light and refreshing. Set aside to drain well and cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The key is to whisk until perfectly smooth and creamy, making sure all the flavors meld — this is what will hug every piece of pasta and veggie in your salad.

Step 3: Assemble and Toss

Add the cooled macaroni, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped lettuce right into the bowl with the dressing. Using a big spatula or spoon, gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Be careful with the lettuce; you want it coated but not wilted.

Step 4: Add Fresh Finishing Touches

Sprinkle your BLT Macaroni Salad with freshly chopped chives or green onions for that bright, oniony pop. This little flourish pulls the whole salad together and gives it a polished, deli-worthy look.

Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor

Cover the bowl and pop your salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling step lets all the flavors mingle and ensures a crisp, cool bite — totally worth the wait.

How to Serve BLT Macaroni Salad

Garnishes

A handful of extra crispy bacon crumbles or a sprinkle of freshly snipped chives right before serving will make your BLT Macaroni Salad look simply irresistible. You could even add a few cherry tomato halves on top for a pop of red color that shows off what’s inside the bowl.

Side Dishes

This salad is incredibly versatile. It shines alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or even a slab of BBQ ribs. For a lighter pairing, serve it with crisp cucumber spears, watermelon slices, or a platter of grilled vegetables. BLT Macaroni Salad is the kind of side that makes any summer lunch or potluck feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop the salad into small mason jars or cups for a fun, picnic-perfect presentation, or nestle it onto a bed of extra lettuce leaves for a fresh, eye-catching look. If you’re feeling extra creative, serve it in hollowed-out tomatoes for a charming party starter that doubles down on that BLT spirit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover BLT Macaroni Salad to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. As a rule of thumb, it’s best enjoyed within 2 days. For the best texture, wait to stir in the lettuce until you’re ready to eat, as it tends to lose its crunch if it sits too long with the dressing.

Freezing

Bacon and pasta freeze beautifully on their own, but once tossed with lettuce and creamy dressing, this salad isn’t a great candidate for the freezer. Freezing will cause the lettuce to wilt and the dressing may separate, so your best bet is to enjoy every bite fresh.

Reheating

Generally, BLT Macaroni Salad is meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature. If it’s coming straight from the fridge, just give it a quick stir and let it rest for a few minutes to take the chill off. Avoid microwaving, as the greens can turn limp and the dressing may break.

FAQs

Can I make BLT Macaroni Salad the night before?

Absolutely! It actually benefits from some chill time so the flavors can meld. Just wait to add the lettuce until right before you serve — that way, it stays super crisp and fresh.

What kind of pasta shapes work best?

Elbow macaroni is classic because its curves hold onto the creamy dressing, but small shells or rotini are fun substitutes that work just as well in BLT Macaroni Salad.

How can I make this salad lighter?

Swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and use a light mayonnaise to cut some of the richness without sacrificing that irresistible creaminess. You can also add extra veggies like cucumber or bell pepper for more crunch and fewer calories.

Is BLT Macaroni Salad gluten-free?

With a simple substitution, yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free macaroni and prepare as directed — everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What are some fun add-ins?

Avocado chunks and shredded cheddar are two popular twists that make BLT Macaroni Salad even more satisfying. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or diced pickles can also add an extra hit of flavor and personality.

Final Thoughts

Once you bring BLT Macaroni Salad to the table, don’t be surprised if it disappears before your eyes — it’s just that good! Whether you’re introducing it to a group of friends or savoring a bowl on a quiet evening, this salad is one of those recipes you’ll be asked for again and again. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes part of your warm-weather routine!

BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, this BLT Macaroni Salad combines the beloved flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato with tender pasta in a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the salad:

8 ounces elbow macaroni
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)

For the dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni: Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool.
Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine ingredients: Add cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce to the dressing. Toss gently to coat.
Chill and serve: Sprinkle with chives, chill for at least 30 minutes, and serve.