BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe

Introduction

BLT Macaroni Salad brings the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich flavors into a creamy, satisfying pasta salad. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish any time of year.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 2 cups lettuce, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Step 3: Add the cooked macaroni to the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, chopped bacon, and chopped lettuce.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Step 6: Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Step 7: Enjoy your flavorful BLT Macaroni Salad!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add diced celery or thinly sliced red onion.
• Use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative to traditional bacon.
• Swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier dressing.

Storage

Store the BLT Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, it tastes best after chilling for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld. You can prepare it up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

What type of lettuce works best in this salad?

Crisp lettuces like iceberg or romaine work well to add fresh crunch without wilting quickly in the dressing.

BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.9 from 513 reviews

This BLT Macaroni Salad combines classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato flavors with tender elbow macaroni, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or as a hearty side dish, this chilled salad is easy to make and packed with fresh ingredients and savory bacon goodness.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound elbow macaroni

Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Salad Mix-Ins

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 2 cups lettuce, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
2. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well blended to create a flavorful dressing.
3. Toss macaroni with dressing: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing and toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly, ensuring the pasta absorbs the flavors.
4. Add the fresh ingredients: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cooked bacon, and chopped lettuce to combine without bruising the vegetables.
5. Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly for best taste.
6. Final seasoning and serve: Before serving, toss the salad once more and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy the vibrant blend of BLT flavors in this satisfying macaroni salad.

Notes

• For best texture, be sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier and lighter dressing.
• Bacon can be cooked in the oven or stovetop according to your preference, but crisp bacon adds the best texture.
• This salad is best served chilled and can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Add other veggies like diced cucumber or red onion for extra crunch and flavor.

Keywords: BLT macaroni salad, bacon lettuce tomato pasta salad, creamy macaroni salad, picnic macaroni salad, easy pasta salad