Zesty BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe: A Picnic-Perfect Twist

Crafting a delectable blt macaroni salad that bursts with summer flavors can transform an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Bacon’s crispy magic mingles perfectly with fresh ingredients, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes dance alongside tender pasta, promising a delightful experience.

Creamy dressing binds everything together, adding rich complexity to each bite.

Surprisingly simple yet elegant, this recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to your kitchen.

Summer gatherings will never be the same once you master this crowd-pleasing dish.

You’ll want to savor every delicious forkful and share this culinary gem with everyone at the table.

Why BLT Macaroni Salad Is A Go-To Dish

• Customize with Creativity: Mix and match ingredients like adding cheese, swapping bacon for turkey bacon, or incorporating different herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Master Quick Meal Prep: Simple step-by-step instructions ensure anyone can create this delicious pasta salad without complicated techniques or professional cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Star: Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, barbecues, and family reunions where guests crave a delightful, satisfying side dish that travels well.
• Nutritious Flavor Explosion: Packed with protein from bacon, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this salad delivers maximum taste with balanced, wholesome ingredients.

What’s In BLT Macaroni Salad

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that holds dressing well and provides a hearty foundation for the salad.
• Salad Greens: Fresh mixed greens that add a crisp texture and boost nutritional value.

• Bacon: Crispy pork that delivers a smoky, rich flavor and satisfying crunch.
• Tomatoes: Juicy, fresh cubes that provide bright color and tangy sweetness.
• Green Onions: A mild onion variety that adds a subtle, sharp flavor and visual appeal.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Creamy base that creates a smooth, tangy sauce.
• White Vinegar: Adds a bright, acidic note to balance the rich ingredients.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the salad's taste.

How To Make BLT Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Boil Macaroni

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle some salt into the water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add elbow macaroni and cook until tender, following package guidance. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool down the noodles.

Step 2: Crisp Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until it turns golden and crispy. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease. Let bacon cool completely, then crumble into small rustic pieces.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Ingredients

• Tomatoes (diced into bite-sized cubes)
• Green onions (finely chopped)

Step 4: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• White vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Salad Components

• Cooled macaroni
• Crumbled bacon
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped green onions

Step 6: Dress and Chill

Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors develop.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Before serving, toss the salad with mixed salad greens for added freshness. Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful summer dish.

Helpful Tips For BLT Macaroni Salad

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water and cook until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring ideal texture for the salad.
• Crisp Bacon Technique: Cook bacon over medium heat until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels to remove excess grease for a crunchy texture.
• Dressing Harmony: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended sauce that coats every pasta piece evenly.
• Flavor Infusion: Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to marinate and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Green Boost Option: Toss with fresh mixed salad greens just before serving to add extra crunch and nutritional value.

Fun Variations Of BLT Macaroni Salad

• Gluten-Free Macaroni Salad: Replace elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Bacon Alternative: Swap bacon with crispy tempeh bacon or coconut bacon bits for a plant-based protein option that maintains a smoky flavor profile.
• Greek-Inspired Version: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add crumbled feta cheese, and include diced cucumber for a Mediterranean-style makeover.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the salad's core flavors.

Best Foods To Pair With BLT Macaroni Salad

• Grill Companion: Pair this creamy bacon macaroni salad with grilled chicken or BBQ ribs for a perfect summer meal that balances rich and tangy flavors.
• Wine Selection: Complement the salad's smoky bacon and creamy texture with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness.
• Picnic Partner: Pack this salad alongside cold fried chicken, cornbread, and fresh watermelon slices for an ultimate outdoor dining experience that screams summer comfort.
• Refreshing Beverage: Serve with an ice-cold beer like a light lager or wheat ale that enhances the salad's savory bacon notes and provides a refreshing contrast.

How To Keep BLT Macaroni Salad Fresh

• Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping the salad cool and fresh in the fridge. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent contamination and maintain flavor integrity.
• Not recommended due to mayonnaise-based dressing, which can separate and lose texture when thawed. Pasta and vegetables will become mushy and lose their crisp quality.
• Best enjoyed cold. If desired, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and restore subtle flavors.
• Before serving leftovers, gently stir the salad and add a small splash of fresh dressing to revive moisture and reinvigorate the overall taste profile.

FAQs For BLT Macaroni Salad

• What makes bacon macaroni salad different from regular pasta salad?

The combination of crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and tangy dressing creates a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional pasta salads.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. The flavors actually improve as they meld together in the refrigerator.

• Is this a good dish for potlucks or gatherings?

Absolutely! It’s a crowd-pleasing side dish that travels well and can be served cold, making it perfect for outdoor events and summer parties.

• How can I make this salad healthier?

Substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise, use turkey bacon, or add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the dish.

Blt Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy BLT macaroni salad brings classic sandwich flavors into a delightful summer side dish. Crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce combine with a zesty mayo dressing to make you crave another forkful.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Base:

• 16 oz (453 g) elbow macaroni
• 4 cups mixed salad greens

Protein and Vegetables:

• 8 slices bacon, crispy and crumbled
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and cool the noodles quickly.
3. While the pasta cools, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, then transfer to paper towels to drain and cool.
4. Crumble the cooled bacon into small, rustic pieces once it has reached room temperature.
5. Dice tomatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes and finely chop green onions for optimal distribution throughout the salad.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, dijon mustard, white vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
7. Combine the cooled macaroni, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions in a large serving bowl.
8. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated and distributed.
9. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
10. Before serving, toss the salad with mixed salad greens to add freshness and crisp texture.
11. Serve cold and enjoy as a refreshing summer side dish or light meal.

Notes

• Rinse pasta thoroughly with cold water to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture for maximum pasta enjoyment.
• Crisp bacon completely before crumbling to ensure a crunchy, satisfying texture that adds a delightful contrast to the creamy salad.
• Adjust mayonnaise-to-vinegar ratio for tangy or creamy preferences, allowing flexibility for personal taste and dietary needs.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the salad’s delicious essence.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg