BLT Macaroni Salad

by

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of two beloved classics – the BLT sandwich and traditional macaroni salad? Look no further! Our BLT Macaroni Salad recipe offers a delightful twist on the timeless macaroni salad, infusing it with the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Let’s dive into how to create this delectable dish.

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

Directions:

  1. Cook the Macaroni Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to cool them down and halt the cooking process.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a very large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Mix Together: Add the cooled macaroni noodles to the bowl with the dressing. Toss the noodles until they are fully coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it to chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Cook and Crumble the Bacon: While the salad is chilling, cook the bacon until it is crispy. Once cooked, allow the bacon to cool before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces. Set the crumbled bacon aside for later use.
  5. Chop the Veggies/Shred the Cheese: Dice the tomatoes and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Shred the cheddar cheese using a grater or sharp knife.
  6. Combine: If serving the salad immediately, add a splash of milk to the mixture for a creamier consistency. Then, add the crumbled bacon, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the chilled macaroni salad. Toss all the ingredients together until they are fully combined. Serve the salad cold and enjoy!
  7. Prep Time: This recipe requires approximately 25 minutes of preparation time.
  8. Chill Time: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
  9. Total Time: The total time needed to prepare and chill the salad is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
  10. Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Fresh: BLT Macaroni Salad is best served fresh and cold. Enjoy it immediately after preparation for the crispiest bacon and freshest veggies.
  2. Garnish: Before serving, consider garnishing the salad with additional chopped fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
  3. Make-Ahead Option: If preparing the salad ahead of time, wait to add the lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and cheese until just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunchiness.
  4. Refrigerate Properly: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the texture of the lettuce may become soggy if stored for too long.
  5. Refresh Before Serving: If the salad has been refrigerated for an extended period, consider refreshing it by adding a splash of milk and giving it a gentle toss before serving to restore its creamy texture.
  6. Serve Chilled: To ensure maximum enjoyment, serve the BLT Macaroni Salad chilled, straight from the refrigerator. This helps to maintain its refreshing taste and texture.
  7. Ideal for Gatherings: This salad is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. Its crowd-pleasing flavors and easy preparation make it a convenient and delicious option for any occasion.
  8. Customize: Feel free to customize the salad according to your preferences. You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for more crunch, or swap out the cheddar cheese for another variety that you prefer.

Variations:

  1. Avocado BLT Macaroni Salad: For a creamy twist, add diced avocado to the salad just before serving. The creamy texture of avocado complements the crisp bacon and fresh veggies beautifully.
  2. Spicy BLT Macaroni Salad: Add a kick of heat by incorporating chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the salad for extra spice.
  3. Grilled Chicken BLT Macaroni Salad: Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken breast strips to the salad. Season the chicken with your favorite spices before grilling for added flavor.
  4. Vegetarian BLT Macaroni Salad: Skip the bacon and instead add grilled or roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the salad. You can also incorporate vegetarian bacon bits or tempeh bacon for a smoky flavor.
  5. Greek BLT Macaroni Salad: Give the salad a Mediterranean twist by adding ingredients like diced cucumbers, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. Top with fresh oregano or dill for an extra burst of flavor.
  6. Ranch BLT Macaroni Salad: Replace the traditional dressing with ranch dressing for a creamy and tangy flavor profile. You can also add ranch seasoning mix to the mayonnaise mixture for an extra punch of ranch flavor.
  7. Caprese BLT Macaroni Salad: Incorporate the classic Caprese flavors by adding diced fresh mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves to the salad. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for a gourmet touch.
  8. Tex-Mex BLT Macaroni Salad: Add a Tex-Mex twist by mixing in ingredients like black beans, corn kernels, diced jalapeños, and shredded Mexican cheese blend. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for added flair.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad? Absolutely! While the recipe calls for macaroni noodles, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or bowties, depending on your preference.
  2. Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe? If you prefer, you can use Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and sour cream as a lighter alternative to mayonnaise. This substitution will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dressing.
  3. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and cheese just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunchiness.
  4. How long can I store leftovers of BLT Macaroni Salad? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the texture of the lettuce may become soggy over time.
  5. Can I make this salad vegetarian-friendly? Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or another meat alternative. You can also load up on extra veggies to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
  6. Is it possible to make this salad gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta noodles to make this salad gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free, including the dressing and any additional seasonings.

BLT Macaroni Salad offers a delightful twist on the classic macaroni salad, combining the beloved flavors of a BLT sandwich with creamy pasta goodness. Whether enjoyed at a picnic, barbecue, or family gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its irresistible combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and sharp cheddar cheese. So, why wait? Whip up a batch of this delicious salad today and elevate your next meal to new heights!