If you’re craving a delightful twist on the classics, this BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe brings everything you love from a BLT sandwich into one creamy, colorful bowl. Imagine tender elbow macaroni perfectly coated in a tangy, garlicky dressing, studded with crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and vibrant spinach leaves. This salad is not only bursting with flavor but also balances textures beautifully, making it a standout side dish for any meal or a satisfying light lunch. The BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe is so irresistible, it practically demands to be served at your very next gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender pasta acting as the perfect canvas to the fresh veggies and smoky bacon that bring the salad to life.
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape for mac salad, it holds dressing and ingredients beautifully.
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness, binding all elements together smoothly.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Provides a subtle tang that livens up the dressing without overpowering it.
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar: A gentle acidity to balance the richness and brighten the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a mild, savory depth that complements the salad perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors naturally, making every bite pop with taste.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper: Adds a bit of warmth and a subtle kick to the salad.
- 8 pieces of bacon, crumbled: Crispy, smoky bacon bits provide texture contrast and signature BLT flavor.
- 1 cup seeded and diced tomato: Fresh, juicy tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and lovely color.
- 1 cup roughly chopped baby spinach: Brings an earthy freshness and beautiful green hue to the salad.
How to Make BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions. Cooking it just right is important—not too soft and not too firm—so it can soak up the dressing and hold its shape in the salad. Once cooked perfectly, drain it well to avoid any sogginess.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the macaroni cooks, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This blend creates that creamy, tangy base that makes the BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe so irresistible. Whisk it until smooth—this step ensures every bite is evenly coated with flavor.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients
Add the drained macaroni to the bowl with the dressing, then toss in crispy crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach. Gently stir everything together to coat the pasta and veggies with the dressing, making sure the bacon stays beautifully crisp and the spinach stays vibrant.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the flavors meld together wonderfully. When you’re ready to serve, give it a final stir and enjoy that classic BLT taste reinvented in a creamy macaroni salad!
How to Serve BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, sprinkle a few fresh chopped chives or green onions over the top just before serving. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also bring a mild onion flavor that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
The BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, barbecued ribs, or even alongside a fresh green salad for a light summer meal. Its creamy texture and zesty notes make it a perfect companion for smoky or savory mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a hollowed-out tomato or bell pepper for a charming, edible bowl. You could also layer it in clear parfait glasses with extra bacon bits and spinach for a fun, picnic-friendly individual portion option that delights both eyes and taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to rekindle that fresh texture.
Freezing
Due to the creamy mayonnaise and fresh veggies, freezing the BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe is not recommended. Freezing can cause the dressing to separate and the vegetables to become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it less chilled, simply let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving rather than reheating, which could affect the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, small shells or rotini work nicely too, as they hold onto the dressing and mix-ins well.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
You can swap regular mayonnaise for a light or avocado-based version and use turkey bacon to reduce fat. Adding more spinach or other greens amps up the nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare this salad a day in advance?
Yes! In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld wonderfully. Just remember to add any garnish right before serving for the freshest look and taste.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute, but start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste since they tend to be a bit stronger.
Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to get creative! Diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even chopped bell peppers can add crunch and color to your BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about this BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe—its creamy dressing, smoky bacon, and fresh veggies come together like a flavorful hug in a bowl. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply craving a comforting salad, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and delight your taste buds with this fresh take on a beloved classic!
Print
BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BLT Macaroni Salad is a creamy and flavorful side dish that combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with tender elbow macaroni. Featuring crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and baby spinach tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing, it’s a perfect make-ahead salad for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Macaroni
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
Add-ins
- 8 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup seeded and diced tomato
- 1 cup roughly chopped baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the macaroni thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare dressing and combine: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper until smooth and well blended. Add the cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and chopped baby spinach to the bowl. Toss everything gently until the macaroni and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Cover the macaroni salad tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. Serve cold as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- The salad tastes best when chilled for at least an hour but can be prepared up to a day ahead.
- For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of smoked paprika to the dressing.
- To keep the macaroni salad from becoming watery, seed the tomatoes before dicing.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
