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You’re combining two comfort food legends — the classic BLT sandwich and creamy macaroni salad — into one epic dish: BLT Macaroni Salad. It’s crunchy, creamy, savory, and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or just a satisfying lunch.
🥓🍅🥬 BLT Macaroni Salad
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Chill Time: 30+ mins
Serves: 6–8
🧂 Ingredients:
🥗 Salad Base:
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8 oz elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
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6–8 slices crispy bacon, chopped
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
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1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
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1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but amazing)
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1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
🥣 Dressing:
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3/4 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
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1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
🔪 Instructions:
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Cook pasta:
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely. -
Make the dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. -
Crisp the bacon:
Cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. -
Combine salad:
In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, tomatoes, red onion, and cheddar (if using). Add dressing and toss to coat evenly. -
Add bacon & lettuce last:
Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped bacon and lettuce to keep them crisp. -
Garnish & serve:
Top with green onions or extra bacon. Serve chilled.
🧊 Storage Tips:
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Best served the same day — lettuce and bacon lose their crunch over time.
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To prep ahead, store components separately and mix just before serving.
🔄 Variations:
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Add avocado for a BLTA twist
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Use ranch dressing instead of the mayo mix
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Try turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon substitute
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Add hard-boiled eggs or grilled chicken to make it a full meal
Let me know if you want a low-carb, gluten-free, or spicy version!