BLT Macaroni Salad Delight

Featured in Vibrant Salad Creations.

This BLT macaroni brings a fresh twist by combining perfectly cooked elbow pasta with crispy bacon, ripe cherry tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce. A smooth dressing blends mayo, sour cream, and a hint of Dijon mustard with apple cider vinegar and honey for a balanced tang. Once mixed and chilled, the salad’s flavors meld beautifully, making it an ideal refreshing side or light lunch. Adding chopped green onions and parsley boosts both flavor and aroma, enhancing the dish’s vibrant profile.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:02:01 GMT
A dish of pasta with tomatoes and bacon. Pin it
A dish of pasta with tomatoes and bacon. | gracefulflavors.com

This BLT macaroni salad takes the beloved flavors of a BLT sandwich and transforms them into a creamy, satisfying pasta salad that’s perfect any time of year. It’s ideal for potlucks, picnic days, or a quick and tasty lunch that feels both comforting and fresh.

I first made this for a family barbecue, and it disappeared faster than I expected. It’s now a requested dish whenever we have gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Elbow macaroni: the classic pasta shape that holds the dressing well, choose good quality for firm texture
  • Bacon: adds smoky crunch, thick cut works best for hearty bites
  • Cherry tomatoes: juicy and sweet, pick ripe, firm tomatoes
  • Mayonnaise: the creamy base, use full fat for richness or light for a lighter take
  • Sour cream: adds tang and smoothness, fresh is best
  • Dijon mustard: adds subtle heat and brightness, avoid grainy for smooth texture
  • Apple cider vinegar: brings a pleasant zing, make sure it’s raw and unfiltered if possible
  • Honey: balances acidity with gentle sweetness, pure honey gives best flavor
  • Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning, freshly ground pepper really lifts the salad
  • Romaine or iceberg lettuce: adds crunch and freshness, crispy leaves preferred
  • Green onions: mild and fresh onion flavor, pick those with firm bulbs and green tops
  • Fresh parsley: bright herbaceous note, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Savor the Pasta:
Cook macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Rinse under cold water thoroughly to stop cooking and cool the pasta completely. This step keeps the salad from becoming mushy.
Whisk the Dressing:
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a creamy, tangy dressing.
Mix It Up:
Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing, then fold in crispy bacon pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, green onions, and parsley. Gently stir to coat everything evenly without breaking the delicate tomatoes.
Chill and Meld:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling lets the flavors meld and the salad firm up. The rest time makes a big difference in taste and texture.
Final Touch:
Before serving, stir the salad once more. If the dressing seems thick, add a splash of milk or a teaspoon more mayonnaise to loosen it to your preference. Serve well chilled.
A plate of pasta with tomatoes and herbs. Pin it
A plate of pasta with tomatoes and herbs. | gracefulflavors.com

I love how the crispy bacon contrasts with the tender macaroni and fresh lettuce. This salad reminds me of summer picnics with family where the simplicity of each ingredient shines, making every bite a pleasure.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to three days. The salad is best eaten within this time, as the lettuce can soften and the pasta may absorb too much dressing. Give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cherry tomatoes with diced Roma tomatoes if needed for a slightly less sweet but still juicy bite. For a vegetarian twist, replace bacon with sun dried tomatoes or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to keep that smoky element.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad chilled alongside grilled chicken or ribs for a hearty meal. It also pairs well with sandwiches or as part of a picnic spread with chips and fresh fruit.

A plate of pasta with tomatoes and bacon. Pin it
A plate of pasta with tomatoes and bacon. | gracefulflavors.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What pasta works best for this salad?

Elbow macaroni is ideal because it holds the dressing well and blends nicely with the bacon and vegetables.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate it for at least an hour to let the flavors combine, though it’s best served chilled on the same day.

→ How can I make the dressing tangier?

Add an extra tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to increase the dressing’s brightness without overpowering other ingredients.

→ Are there vegetarian options for this dish?

Replacing bacon with sun-dried tomatoes or smoked paprika brings a similar smoky flavor without meat.

→ How should the bacon be prepared?

Cook until crispy, then crumble it over the salad to maintain a crunchy texture throughout.

BLT Macaroni Salad

Creamy macaroni with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, chilled to perfection for any occasion.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Fresh Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta

01 8 ounces elbow macaroni

→ Protein

02 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

→ Produce

03 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
05 1/4 cup chopped green onions
06 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

→ Dressing

07 1/2 cup mayonnaise
08 1/2 cup sour cream
09 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
11 1 teaspoon honey
12 Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Add cooled macaroni, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, green onions, and parsley to the bowl. Mix gently until evenly combined.

Step 04

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

Step 05

Before serving, stir the salad. Add a splash of milk or extra mayonnaise if the dressing is dry. Serve chilled.

Notes

  1. For a tangier profile, increase apple cider vinegar by one tablespoon.
  2. Substitute cherry tomatoes with diced Roma tomatoes if unavailable.
  3. Use light mayonnaise and sour cream for a lighter dish.
  4. For a vegetarian alternative, replace bacon with sun-dried tomatoes or smoked paprika.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy and egg (mayonnaise)
  • Contains mustard

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 15 g