Introduction

When it comes to summer salads, few recipes can match the charm of a BLT Macaroni Salad. Inspired by the classic BLT sandwich, this dish takes all the flavors you love—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce—and pairs them with tender macaroni pasta tossed in a creamy dressing. The result is a refreshing, hearty, and crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for picnics, cookouts, or even weeknight dinners. Whether you’re feeding a large gathering or prepping ahead for lunchboxes, this macaroni salad will quickly become a family favorite.

My Recipe Story

I first discovered BLT Macaroni Salad at a family reunion, where everyone seemed to be raving about “the pasta with the bacon.” Naturally, I had to try it, and after just one bite, I understood the hype. The smoky crunch of bacon against the cool creaminess of the dressing created the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It reminded me of the classic BLT sandwich but with a pasta twist that felt more substantial. Since then, I’ve experimented with different dressings and pasta shapes, but this version has become my go-to recipe. It’s quick, comforting, and always disappears fast at potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, and sandwiches.
Features familiar flavors of a BLT sandwich but in a refreshing pasta salad form.
Easy to prepare ahead, making it perfect for gatherings and meal prep.

Customizable with different add-ins like avocado, cheese, or red onion.
Creamy, crunchy, and satisfying while still feeling light enough for summer.

Ingredient Breakdown

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. The main trio—bacon, lettuce, and tomato—brings familiarity, while the macaroni pasta transforms it into a hearty and versatile dish. Bacon is the star, providing a salty and smoky crunch that balances the creaminess of the dressing. Fresh tomatoes add juiciness and brightness, cutting through the richness. Meanwhile, crisp lettuce brings freshness and color, ensuring every bite feels vibrant and balanced.

The dressing is equally important, usually a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and seasonings. It coats the pasta and vegetables without overpowering the natural flavors. Macaroni, with its small curved shape, is the perfect pasta choice because it holds the creamy dressing beautifully. However, you can also use other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne if you want to switch it up. The supporting cast of ingredients—green onions, shredded cheese, or even herbs—add subtle layers of flavor that make the salad even more exciting.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot for boiling pasta

Colander for draining pasta
Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
Sharp knife and cutting board

Frying pan or skillet for cooking bacon
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Serving bowl

Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your macaroni. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Be sure not to overcook, as softer pasta can become mushy when tossed with the dressing. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This ensures your salad stays light and refreshing rather than warm and heavy.
Prepare the bacon: While the pasta cooks, fry your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Crisp bacon adds both flavor and texture, so aim for a balance between crunchy and slightly chewy. If you prefer, you can also bake the bacon in the oven for a more hands-off approach.

Chop the vegetables: Dice fresh tomatoes and slice lettuce into bite-sized pieces. You can also include other vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or green onions for added crunch and variety. Make sure the lettuce is well-dried to prevent excess moisture from thinning the dressing. For the tomatoes, cherry or grape varieties hold their shape better, though larger tomatoes work fine when seeded properly.
Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings such as salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The combination of creamy and tangy elements balances out the richness of the bacon. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; a pinch of paprika or a dash of mustard can enhance the overall flavor profile.
Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, bacon, and dressing. Gently toss everything together until well coated. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the ingredients to maintain their texture and integrity. At this stage, you can taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a touch more salt or pepper if needed.

Chill and serve: For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad more refreshing. Just before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional bacon crumbles for presentation. Serve chilled alongside your favorite grilled dishes, sandwiches, or simply enjoy it on its own.

Variations & Substitutions

This BLT Macaroni Salad can be adapted to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For a healthier twist, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. If you want a lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise. To make it vegetarian, skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or crispy roasted chickpeas for flavor and texture. Avocado makes an excellent addition, lending creaminess without needing extra dressing. Cheese lovers can stir in shredded cheddar or crumbled feta for an extra layer of richness. For a Mediterranean twist, add olives, cucumbers, and a drizzle of olive oil to the mix.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly firm pasta holds up better when mixed with dressing and stored in the fridge.

Keep ingredients dry: Pat lettuce and tomatoes dry to avoid watering down the creamy dressing.
Chill before serving: An hour in the fridge enhances the flavors and texture, making the salad more refreshing.
Balance flavors: Adjust the dressing by adding vinegar, lemon juice, or mustard if it feels too heavy.

Add dressing gradually: You can always add more, but too much at once can overwhelm the other ingredients.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate from the pasta and vegetables until just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables do not thaw well. For meal prep, you can cook the pasta and bacon a day in advance and store them separately, then assemble everything with dressing right before serving.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

BLT Macaroni Salad makes an excellent side dish for cookouts, potlucks, and picnics. Pair it with grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or BBQ ribs for a complete summer feast. It also goes wonderfully with sandwiches, such as turkey clubs or ham and cheese melts. For a lighter meal, enjoy a bowl of the salad with a side of fruit salad or crusty bread. If you want to dress it up for a dinner party, serve it in individual cups or alongside grilled seafood for a fresh and elegant presentation.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowties all work well in this recipe.

What kind of lettuce is best? Romaine lettuce holds up best because it’s crisp and doesn’t wilt as quickly, but iceberg or mixed greens also work.

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, but it’s best to mix in the lettuce just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

How do I make this healthier? Try using whole wheat pasta, light mayonnaise, or Greek yogurt to cut calories without sacrificing taste.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish? Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs can turn this salad into a hearty main course.

Final Thoughts

BLT Macaroni Salad is the perfect marriage of comfort food and summer freshness. It’s a dish that brings together simple, familiar ingredients in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a quick lunch, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit. Its creamy, crunchy, and savory combination will keep everyone coming back for seconds, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation all year long.

BLT Macaroni Salad

Author: Sarah White
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy BLT Macaroni Salad with bacon, lettuce, and tomato. A refreshing twist on pasta salad, perfect for cookouts, picnics, and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper
2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

Cook macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble into pieces.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions.

Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly.
Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.

Notes

For best texture, add lettuce just before serving. This salad keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days but is best enjoyed fresh. Pair with grilled meats or sandwiches for a full meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop

Cuisine: American

Easy BLT Macaroni Salad