BLT Macaroni Salad

Why You’ll Love BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe

This recipe combines everything you love about a BLT sandwich into a chilled, easy-to-make macaroni salad. It’s simple, flavorful, and quick to throw together. The creamy dressing is balanced with a bit of tang, while the fresh veggies give it crunch and color. It’s also highly customizable and a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained

• 1 large tomato, diced

• 1/4 cup diced red onion

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

• 1 cup finely chopped lettuce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup ranch dressing

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, tomato, red onion, and chives.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

4. Just before serving, fold in the chopped lettuce to keep it fresh and crisp.

5. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Approximate Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

• Add bacon: Crumble 4–6 slices of cooked bacon and stir them in just before serving for a true BLT experience.

• Use different pasta: Try rotini or bow tie pasta for a fun twist.

• Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the dressing for a little kick.

• Add cheese: Shredded cheddar or crumbled feta adds a new layer of flavor.

• Swap dressings: Try using sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of ranch for a lighter dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best texture, keep the lettuce separate and mix it in just before serving.
This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make BLT Macaroni Salad?

You can make it up to 24 hours in advance, but it’s best to stir in the lettuce just before serving to keep it from getting soggy.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?

Yes, you can substitute the mayo and ranch mixture with your favorite creamy store-bought dressing, but the homemade version adds a fresher taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free pasta.

What type of lettuce works best?

Romaine or iceberg lettuce works best for their crisp texture, but you can also use green leaf lettuce.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, turkey, or cooked bacon to make it more filling.

What’s the best way to keep it from getting watery?

Keep the chopped tomato and lettuce separate until just before serving to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just make sure to increase all ingredients proportionally.

Is it okay to freeze BLT Macaroni Salad?

No, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables.

How do I make it lighter?

Use light mayo and low-fat ranch, and consider substituting part of the mayo with Greek yogurt.

Can I serve it warm?

It’s designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, but you can serve it slightly warm if preferred—just don’t add the lettuce until the end.

Conclusion

BLT Macaroni Salad is a fresh, creamy, and easy-to-make dish that brings the familiar flavors of a BLT sandwich into a cool, crowd-pleasing pasta salad. Whether you’re preparing it for a picnic, a barbecue, or a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.