BLT Macaroni Salad is a flavorful fusion of two beloved recipes: the classic BLT sandwich and creamy macaroni salad. By combining these two dishes, you get the best of both worlds—crunchy, smoky, and fresh flavors from the bacon, lettuce, and tomato, paired with the rich, comforting texture of macaroni salad.

The BLT, which stands for Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato, has become a timeless favorite thanks to its simple yet satisfying combination. Its adaptability has led to many creative dishes, including the BLT Macaroni Salad.

Macaroni salad adds a creamy, cool contrast to the crisp elements of the BLT, and the pasta helps carry the flavors of the dressing throughout the dish. This pairing creates a balance of textures and flavors—crispy bacon, tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce. BLT Macaroni Salad is a unique and delicious option that brings together the best aspects of both dishes.

Ingredients Breakdown

Key Ingredients

Macaroni: Types and preparation tips
- Elbow macaroni or similar small pasta shapes are ideal because they hold the dressing well and mix easily with other ingredients. Cook the macaroni until al dente (firm to the bite) to maintain texture in the salad.

Bacon: Cooking techniques for crispiness
- Cook bacon using your preferred method—pan-frying, baking, or air-frying—until it reaches a crispy texture. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease, which will help keep it crunchy in the salad.
Lettuce: Best varieties for texture and taste
- Iceberg lettuce offers the crispest bite, making it a great choice for this salad. Romaine can also be used for a heartier texture and slightly bolder flavor.
Tomatoes: Choosing the right type
- Cherry or grape tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and juiciness, while Roma tomatoes are a firmer option. Remove any excess juice or seeds to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Dressing: Creamy mayo-based or vinaigrette alternatives
- A classic mayo-based dressing is the traditional choice, providing richness and creaminess. For a lighter version, you can opt for ranch or a vinaigrette dressing, which will give the salad a tangy twist.

Optional Add-ons

Avocado for extra creaminess and richness.

Cheese (shredded cheddar or feta) to add a savory element.
Eggs (hard-boiled and chopped) for additional protein.

Substitutions for dietary preferences

Turkey bacon for a leaner option.

Vegan mayo and plant-based bacon to make it vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make BLT Macaroni Salad

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Cooking the macaroni to al dente
- Start by boiling the macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions. For the perfect texture, cook it until it’s slightly firm (al dente), then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Preparing the bacon for maximum crispness
- While the pasta is cooking, fry or bake the bacon until crispy. This can be done in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 400°F, or in an air fryer. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
Assembling the salad: Layering or mixing techniques
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, crumbled bacon, chopped lettuce, and halved tomatoes. You can either layer the ingredients for a beautiful presentation or mix them thoroughly for even distribution.
Dressing the salad: Best practices for even distribution of flavors
- Add the dressing in small portions to avoid over-saturating the salad. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients, ensuring that the dressing is evenly distributed without making the salad too heavy.

Chilling the salad: Why resting time matters for flavor infusion
- Once mixed, cover the salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Expert Tips

How to avoid soggy lettuce
- Add the lettuce just before serving to ensure it stays crisp, especially if the salad will sit for a while.
Ensuring the perfect ratio of dressing to ingredients
- Start with a smaller amount of dressing and gradually add more to avoid an overly creamy or greasy salad.

How to keep the bacon crispy even after mixing
- Keep the bacon separate until just before serving or sprinkle it on top after the salad has chilled to maintain its crunch.

Customizing Your BLT Macaroni Salad

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Adding avocado for creaminess
- Diced avocado adds a creamy texture that complements the smoky bacon and juicy tomatoes. Its richness helps balance the flavors, making the salad even more satisfying.
Mixing in shredded cheese
- Shredded cheddar or crumbled blue cheese can add a sharp, savory note to the salad, making it even more flavorful. Cheese lovers will enjoy the extra layer of taste.

Using flavored mayo or ranch instead of plain mayo
- Switch things up by using flavored mayonnaise, such as garlic or chipotle, or swap it entirely for ranch dressing to add a tangy, herbaceous twist to the salad.

Dietary Adjustments

Gluten-free macaroni options
- For those with gluten sensitivities, using a gluten-free pasta ensures everyone can enjoy the dish without compromising on flavor or texture.
Keto and low-carb adaptations
- For a low-carb version, replace the macaroni with cauliflower florets or spiralized zucchini. Both options offer a crunchy, healthy alternative to pasta.

Vegan or vegetarian version
- To make the salad vegan, substitute regular bacon with plant-based bacon and use dairy-free mayo. This keeps the flavors bold and satisfying while catering to different dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Best Occasions for Serving BLT Macaroni Salad

BLT Macaroni Salad is a versatile dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts, BBQs, and potlucks. Its chilled nature makes it a refreshing option to serve alongside grilled meats and other picnic fare, and it’s easy to transport and serve outdoors.

It can also be served as a light meal on its own or alongside sandwiches, burgers, or steaks. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a great companion for savory, grilled dishes.

Serving Ideas

Pairing with grilled meats
- BLT Macaroni Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, or even sausages. The creamy pasta and crisp veggies provide a contrast to the smokiness of the grilled meats, making for a balanced and delicious meal.

Serving in small bowls for individual portions
- For a party or buffet setting, consider serving the salad in small individual bowls, mason jars, or cups. This makes for a visually appealing presentation while also keeping portions manageable and tidy.

Storing and Meal Prep Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy, consider storing the lettuce and bacon separately from the macaroni and dressing, and mix them in right before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing the ingredients in advance
- To save time, you can cook the pasta and bacon, chop the vegetables, and prepare the dressing a day ahead. Store each ingredient separately to keep them fresh.
Assembling just before serving to keep ingredients fresh
- For the best results, assemble the salad shortly before serving. This ensures that the lettuce remains crisp and the bacon stays crunchy, maintaining the overall quality and texture of the salad.

BLT Macaroni Salad

Author: Munil

Print Recipe

Description

BLT Macaroni Salad is a perfect combination of two classic dishes—the BLT sandwich and macaroni salad. This cold pasta salad features crispy bacon, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tender macaroni, all tossed together in a creamy dressing. It’s a refreshing and hearty dish that is ideal for summer gatherings, BBQs, potlucks, or even as a light meal on its own.

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.

Make the Dressing: In a very large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

Mix Together: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate to chill for 1 hour.

Cook and Crumble the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Chop the Veggies/Shred the Cheese: Dice the tomatoes and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Shred the cheddar cheese.

Combine: If serving immediately, add a splash of milk to the salad for a creamier consistency, then add the bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheese to the bowl. Toss until fully combined. Serve cold.

If preparing ahead of time, wait to add the lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and cheese until ready to serve to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Notes

Bacon: For maximum crunch, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then drain it on paper towels to remove any excess grease. To keep the bacon crispy in the salad, consider adding it just before serving.

Macaroni: Cook the macaroni until al dente to ensure the pasta holds its shape and texture. Rinse with cold water after cooking to stop the pasta from overcooking and to cool it down for the salad.
Lettuce: To avoid soggy lettuce, chop and add it right before serving. Iceberg lettuce provides a crisp texture, but you can also use romaine for a slightly more robust bite.
Tomatoes: Use cherry or grape tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and juiciness. To prevent the salad from becoming watery, remove excess seeds or liquid from the tomatoes before mixing them in.

Dressing: A creamy mayo-based dressing is traditional, but you can lighten it up with a tangy vinaigrette or use flavored mayo for an extra twist. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed to avoid oversaturating the salad.
Customizations: Feel free to add avocado for creaminess, shredded cheese for a savory kick, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. You can also make dietary adjustments by using gluten-free pasta, turkey bacon, or plant-based alternatives for vegan-friendly versions.
Storage: If making ahead, store the ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, but keep in mind that the lettuce may wilt and the bacon may lose some crispness over time.