Creamy BLT Macaroni Salad

This creamy BLT macaroni salad brings together the comforting flavors of a classic BLT sandwich with the nostalgic charm of macaroni salad. It’s an effortless side dish that works perfectly for summer barbecues, potlucks, or casual family dinners.

I first whipped this up for a backyard party, and it quickly became the star side dish everyone asked for again and again. The creamy mayo dressing pulls everything together without overwhelming the fresh flavors.

Ingredients

• Eight ounces elbow macaroni: the classic shape soaks up the dressing well, choose a good quality pasta that holds its shape after cooking
• Six slices bacon cooked crispy and crumbled: crispy bacon adds necessary crunch and smokiness, thick-cut bacon works best for texture
• One cup cherry tomatoes halved: sweet and juicy, they bring freshness and color to the salad
• Half a cup green onions sliced: these add a subtle sharpness and pop of green, pick firm, bright green stalks
• One cup mayonnaise: the creamy base that binds all ingredients, opt for full-fat mayo for richness
• Salt and pepper to taste: simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring the Pasta to a Boil:

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package, aiming for al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water to halt the cooking and cool it down for the salad.

Cook the Bacon Crisp:

While the pasta cooks, place the bacon slices in a cold skillet. Heat over medium until the fat renders and the bacon becomes crisp but not burnt. Transfer cooked bacon to paper towels to soak up excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Combine the Salad Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Toss lightly to mix the veggies and bacon through the pasta.

Add the Dressing and Season:

Spoon in the mayonnaise and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure every bite has a creamy coating and well-distributed seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as you like.

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The bacon is my favorite part it adds a smoky crunch that transforms the salad from ordinary to crave-worthy. Once, my family insisted on doubling the bacon just because they loved that flavor burst so much.

Storage Tips

Store this macaroni salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days but is best eaten within two for optimal texture. The salad can dry out if left uncovered so always keep it well sealed. If it seems too thick after refrigeration, just stir in a splash of milk or a little extra mayo before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Swap elbow macaroni for small shells or bowtie pasta for variety
• Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option
• Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the mayonnaise for a tangier, lighter dressing
• Add crisp celery or diced cucumbers for extra crunch and freshness

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled with grilled chicken or burgers for a perfect summer spread
• Pair with fresh corn on the cob and watermelon slices for a true picnic vibe
• This salad also works great as a sandwich filling spread on toasted bread for a BLT twist

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Cultural Context

Macaroni salad is an American picnic classic with roots that date back to the early 1900s. Combining it with BLT flavors is a fun modern twist that captures the nostalgia of the beloved bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich. This blend makes it a perfect contribution to backyard cookouts and family gatherings where comforting familiar flavors rule.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is ideal for this dish as it holds the dressing well and offers a nice bite. Other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini can also be used.

→ How do I make the bacon crispy?

Cook bacon over medium heat in a skillet until browned and crisp, then drain on paper towels to remove excess fat before crumbling.

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes great after chilling for an hour or more as the flavors blend, but add the bacon just before serving to keep it crunchy.

→ What dressing is used in this dish?

A simple mayonnaise base seasoned with salt and pepper provides a creamy coating that complements the savory and fresh ingredients.

→ How to keep the pasta from sticking?

After boiling, rinse the macaroni under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch, which prevents clumping.