Description

BLT Macaroni Salad combines crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh greens in a creamy dressing—BLT Macaroni Salad never disappoints!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and cooled
6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
¼ cup sour cream (or more mayo/Greek yogurt if preferred)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup chopped lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
¼ cup green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook and Cool Macaroni

Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool completely. (Pro tip: rinsing immediately stops cooking and cools the pasta quickly.)

Prepare the Bacon

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble once cooled.

Mix the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combine Ingredients

Gently fold in the cooled macaroni, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, green onions, and parsley. Make sure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

Taste and Adjust

Give the salad a taste. Add more salt, pepper, or honey to balance—depending on your preference for tanginess or sweetness.

Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps flavors meld and gives a refreshing final texture.

Serve and Enjoy

After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir and serve as a delightful side or even a light main dish!

Notes

For crunchier texture, stir in a handful of chopped celery or cucumber at the end.

To prevent sogginess, add the lettuce and tomatoes just before serving if you’re prepping ahead.

If making ahead, reserve some bacon crumbles to sprinkle on top fresh before plating—it keeps that smoky crunch top notch.