๐ฅ BLT Macaroni Salad
Serves 6–8 | Prep: 15 min | Chill: 1+ hr | Total: ~1.5 hrs
๐ Ingredients
For the Salad:
8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni (or small shells, rotini)
6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
Pro Tip: Save 1 tsp bacon grease for dressing — adds deep flavor!*
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, diced
½ cup celery, finely diced (for crunch!)
¼ cup green onions, sliced
1 cup romaine lettuce or iceberg, chopped (adds fresh crunch — add last minute if prepping ahead)
Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Creamy BLT Dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp buttermilk or milk (keeps it light)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
1 tsp sugar or honey
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tsp bacon grease (for smoky depth)
๐ฉ๐ณ Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Let cool completely (toss with a tiny drizzle of oil to prevent sticking).
2️⃣ Crisp the Bacon
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Transfer to paper towels to drain. Crumble once cooled.
Reserve 1 tsp bacon grease for the dressing (optional but delicious!).
3️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Mayo
Buttermilk
Vinegar
Mustard
Sugar
Garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper
Optional: bacon grease for extra smokiness
4️⃣ Combine Everything
Add cooled pasta, tomatoes, celery, green onions, and crumbled bacon to the bowl with dressing.
Gently toss until fully coated.
Fold in cheddar cheese (if using).
5️⃣ Chill & Marinate
Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (preferably 2+ hours).
This allows flavors to meld and pasta to soak up the dressing.
6️⃣ Finish & Serve
Just before serving, fold in chopped lettuce to keep it crisp.
Taste and adjust seasoning — maybe a little more salt or vinegar?
Garnish with extra bacon or green onions.
๐ฝ️ Serving Ideas:
Beside grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs
As a standalone lunch with garlic bread
In a mason jar for an easy picnic!
๐ Variations & Pro Hacks
๐ฑ Vegetarian? Skip bacon, use smoked paprika + sunflower seeds for crunch
๐ฅ Extra Bacon? Yes, please — double it!
๐ง Cheese Swap: Try feta, blue cheese, or pepper jack
๐ง Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble everything except lettuce up to 2 days ahead
๐ถ️ Spicy Kick: Add jalapeรฑos or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing
๐พ Gluten-Free? Use GF pasta — works perfectly!
๐ง Why This Tastes So Good
The creamy dressing clings to each noodle while the bacon and veggies bring contrast:
Bacon = smoky, salty richness
Celery & lettuce = refreshing crunch
Tomatoes = juicy brightness
Pasta = hearty base that soaks up flavor
It’s the ultimate comfort salad — satisfying without being heavy.
❤️ Final Thought: More Than a Side Dish — It’s a Nostalgia Trip
This BLT Macaroni Salad isn’t just food — it’s memories. Of summer cookouts. Of paper plates piled high. Of someone saying, “Save me a scoop of that bacon salad!”
It proves that sometimes, the best recipes aren’t complicated — they’re just made with love, good ingredients, and a little smoky magic.
So fire up the grill, boil the pasta, and let the house fill with the kind of aroma that says, “Dinner is going to be good.”
Because it is. ๐