If you love the classic BLT sandwich, just wait until you try it in macaroni salad form! This BLT Macaroni Salad is everything you crave in a summer side: creamy, crunchy, smoky, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. It comes together in under 30 minutes, and after a quick chill in the fridge, it’s ready to steal the show at your next barbecue, picnic, or easy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Fun Twist on a Classic: All the flavors of your favorite BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce—transformed into a creamy, dreamy pasta salad.
Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes of active prep time, it’s a breeze to pull together, even on your busiest days.

Make-Ahead Friendly: It actually tastes better after chilling, making it ideal for prepping ahead of time.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or serving it at home, this is the kind of dish that disappears fast. Don’t expect leftovers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a closer look at what makes this BLT Macaroni Salad so irresistible:

Elbow Macaroni: The perfect size for catching all that creamy dressing in each bite. Cook until just al dente.

Bacon: Cooked until extra crispy—because chewy bacon just won’t cut it here. That crunch is essential.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for bite-sized bursts of sweetness and juiciness that brighten every forkful.

Mayonnaise: The rich base of the dressing. For lighter fare, Greek yogurt is a solid substitute.

Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess. You can swap this out for more mayo or Greek yogurt, depending on your taste.
Dijon Mustard: A little bit goes a long way—it adds a subtle zing that lifts the entire salad.

Apple Cider Vinegar: For that acidic pop that balances out the richness of the mayo and bacon.

Honey: Just a touch to mellow out the tang. It’s all about that flavor balance.
Salt and Black Pepper: Don’t skip this—seasoning makes all the difference.

Chopped Lettuce: Adds a light crunch and freshness. Use romaine or iceberg for the best texture.

Green Onions: Mild, fresh, and a little sharp—they complement the creamy dressing beautifully.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens everything up with a burst of herby freshness.

Variations

Want to change it up a bit? Here are some tasty ideas:

Add Avocado: Creamy chunks of avocado take this salad to the next level. Just add them right before serving to avoid browning.
Mix in Cheese: Crumbled feta, shredded cheddar, or even blue cheese can add a rich, salty element.

Hard-Boiled Eggs: Chopped eggs make it heartier—great if you want to turn it into a main dish.

Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce adds a little heat.
Low-Carb Version: Swap the pasta for cooked cauliflower florets for a lighter take.

How to Make BLT Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss in the crispy crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, green onions, and parsley.

Step 4: Toss and Chill

Gently mix everything together until well coated in the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Give it a final stir before serving chilled. If needed, add a bit more mayo or a splash of milk to loosen the dressing before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key—it keeps its shape and doesn’t turn mushy once dressed.

Cool Pasta Quickly: Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking and helps prevent clumping.

Use Fresh, Crisp Lettuce: Add it just before serving if you’re making this salad ahead to maintain the crunch.
Season Well: Don’t underestimate the importance of good seasoning. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.

How to Serve

This BLT Macaroni Salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some ideas for pairing and presentation:

As a Side Dish:

Perfect with grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or BBQ ribs. It balances out rich, smoky meats beautifully.

Light Lunch:

Serve it on a bed of extra lettuce or with sliced avocado on top for a complete lunch.

Picnic Favorite:

Pack it in a chilled container—it holds up well, even on warm days.

Party Spread:

Add it to your potluck or buffet table. It pairs great with other classic summer dishes like baked beans, watermelon, and cornbread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Not recommended. The texture of the dressing and lettuce doesn’t hold up well in the freezer.

Reheating

No need to reheat! Just give it a stir and serve cold. If it’s looking dry, mix in a tablespoon of mayo or a splash of milk to refresh it.

FAQs

Can I make this BLT Macaroni Salad the day before?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight. Just wait to add the lettuce until just before serving so it stays crisp.

What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon cooked until crispy adds the best crunch and smoky flavor. Turkey bacon can also work for a lighter version.

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Rotini, small shells, or bowtie pasta all work well—just make sure it’s a short-cut shape that holds dressing.

Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be! Just use gluten-free pasta, and make sure your Dijon mustard and bacon are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Macaroni Salad is a game-changer for any summer menu—or any time you’re craving something creamy, tangy, and satisfying. It’s easy, adaptable, and absolutely packed with flavor. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a repeat request. Ready to dig in? Grab a fork—you’re going to love this one!

BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe