BLT Macaroni Salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with the comfort of a creamy pasta salad. This dish is a perfect side for barbecues, picnics, or even as a main course on a warm summer day. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and tangy mayonnaise dressing over tender macaroni noodles creates a deliciously satisfying salad that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 16 oz Macaroni Noodles
- 3 cups Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 3 tbsp White Vinegar
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Fresh Dill, chopped
- 1 tsp Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Salt, to taste
- 1 lb Bacon
- 4 Tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup Romaine Lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 7-8 minutes.
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Bacon:
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the bacon. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. This should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon.
- Once the bacon is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh dill, pepper, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled macaroni noodles, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad:
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to become even more delicious.
- Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom of the bowl.
- Serve the BLT Macaroni Salad chilled, garnished with additional fresh dill or extra crumbled bacon if desired.
Tips for Success
- Cooking the Macaroni: Be careful not to overcook the macaroni noodles. They should be cooked just to al dente to hold up well when mixed with the dressing and other ingredients.
- Crispy Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat and drain it well on paper towels. You can also bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes for evenly cooked strips.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh romaine lettuce for the best flavor. The freshness of the ingredients makes a big difference in the overall taste of the salad.
Variations
- Avocado Addition: For a creamy twist, add diced avocado to the salad just before serving. The avocado pairs wonderfully with the bacon and adds a rich, buttery texture.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing. This will give the salad a slight spicy kick that complements the other flavors.
- Different Cheeses: Swap out the cheddar cheese for other varieties like pepper jack, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish: This BLT Macaroni Salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers. It’s also a great addition to a potluck or picnic spread.
- Main Course: To make this salad a more substantial meal, you can add some grilled chicken or turkey. The extra protein makes it a filling main course.
- Garnishing: For a fresh pop of color, garnish the salad with additional chopped parsley or dill before serving.
BLT Macaroni Salad is a delightful combination of classic flavors and creamy pasta salad goodness. The crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes provide the perfect balance of textures, while the tangy dressing brings everything together. This versatile salad can be served as a side dish or main course, making it a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a summer barbecue, or a casual gathering, this BLT Macaroni Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and the ease of preparation that this dish offers!
