🥓🍅 BLT Macaroni Salad

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🥓🍅 BLT Macaroni Salad
A creamy, crunchy twist on the classic BLT—perfect for picnics, BBQs, and summer meals

BLT Macaroni Salad brings together everything you love about a traditional BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce—and mixes it with tender macaroni and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s refreshing, filling, and incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to side dish for warm-weather gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.

This salad is best served chilled, with the lettuce folded in just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic BLT flavors in a creamy pasta salad

  • Perfect balance of smoky, fresh, and tangy

  • Easy to prepare ahead of time

  • Crowd-pleasing side dish for any occasion

🛒 Ingredients

Salad

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cup chopped lettuce (romaine or iceberg)

  • ½ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)

Dressing

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • ¼ cup chopped green onions

  • ¼ cup diced avocado (add just before serving)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta
    Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.

  2. Prepare the bacon
    Cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.

  3. Make the dressing
    In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

  4. Assemble the salad
    In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and red onion (if using).

  5. Mix
    Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

  6. Chill
    Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

  7. Add lettuce & serve
    Just before serving, gently fold in chopped lettuce to keep it crisp. Adjust seasoning if needed.

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