BLT Macaroni Salad

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, catering a buffet, or simply want to try a brand-new pasta salad, this recipe is going to impress you. It’s easy to prepare, ideal for pretty much any occasion, and everyone will love it, from the kids to the seniors.

This easy pasta salad recipe pairs with anything from a lettuce-based salad to poached or grilled chicken or fish, steak, or even grilled veggies.

The best pasta to choose here is something sturdy and short, which is going to hold its shape in the salad. Examples include farfalle, penne, and rotini. As for the tomatoes, pick a juicy variety with oodles of flavor like cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or Roma tomatoes. On the vine ripened is always fresher and better! This salad is easy enough to double or even triple if you’re expecting a crowd.

The BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato) components blend so well with the pasta, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and other ingredients.

So, the next time you’re looking for a macaroni salad recipe, consider giving this BLT Macaroni Salad a try.

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Why do I love this recipe?

It is versatile and delicious.

• You will find this BLT pasta salad pairs wonderfully with all kinds of food
• From filet or strip steaks to fried chicken
• Your favorite panini, or a fish dish
• By itself as a flavor-packed lunch option

Try this BLT bites for another tasty option.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Want to change this up?

• Feel free to sub ham for the bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Add red onions for the green, for a more potent flavor.
• You can also switch to watercress for the baby spinach if you want a milder veggie.
• Go with another kind of pasta instead of macaroni.
• To make your pasta salad more flavorful, try using more herbs, spices, and acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice or vinegar, and make sure to properly season it.

Ingredients:

• Uncooked macaroni noodles
• Mayonnaise
• Bacon crumbles
• White vinegar
• Large tomato
• Green onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Baby spinach 
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make BLT Macaroni Salad?

Step 1. Add the pasta to a pot of boiling water. Cook until done to your liking. 

Step 2. Drain the pasta well, and run it under cold water to cool it well. 

Step 3. Place all of the ingredients except for the pasta into a large mixing bowl, and stir to combine well. 

Step 4. Once cooled and fully drained, add the pasta to the mixing bowl, and mix to combine. 

Step 5. Chill for 1-2 hours before serving.

Boasting the amazing trilogy of bacon, lettuce and tomato, this BLT pasta salad is also creamy and cheesy. It’s good either served as a side dish or enjoyed as a standalone dish for lunch.

THANKS FOR PINING!

Storage & Reheating

Storage Instructions:

It will keep for up to 3 days in a sealed container in the fridge. You really can’t reheat this recipe since it should be served cold. And you shouldn’t freeze it.

Can You Make It Ahead?

This salad is actually best prepared ahead because chilling it not only gets the whole thing to the same temperature but also melds and blends the ingredients so the salad ends up tasting even better.

This California spaghetti salad is another great salad for serving a crowd. Tons of fresh flavors are delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy the salad chilled or at room temperature. Either have it as a side dish alongside some kind of meat, poultry, or fish, or enjoy it by itself.

FAQs

Can I take this simple BLT macaroni salad meal to a grad party?

It’s super easy to double this recipe so that it can feed a crowd. You can take it with you just about anywhere. Make sure to follow safe food handling steps to keep everyone healthy.

Can I make this quick BLT macaroni salad recipe at the last minute, or does it need time to come together?

Ideally, it will have some time to cool and blend in the refrigerator before serving it. But that’s not necessary. You can serve it right after prepping it if you really want to do so.

How can I make this a healthy BLT macaroni salad version?

A simple way to do so is to ditch the bacon. Replace it with lean turkey bacon instead. You can also add more veggies and less mayo to the recipe. That will reduce at least some of the fat content.

How can I travel with this salad?

Take the time to pack it in a cooler to make it easier to transport.

Notes

This is a fun, family friendly BLT macaroni salad that everyone can contribute to. We like to have the kids help to prep an ingredient or even add in something they think would improve it (corn anyone?)

It’s an easy BLT macaroni salad for beginners because it takes very little actual cooking. That’s one of the reasons everyone can contribute. It’s really hard to go wrong with it as well.

If you’re looking for more homemade BLT macaroni salad ideas or various other types of salads, you’ll find plenty of options to check out here.

More easy salad recipe ideas?

Fruit Salad to Die For – This homemade fruit salad is packed with fresh flavors.

California Spaghetti Salad – it’s delicious food!

Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad – The perfect side to bring to your next potluck or barbecue.