This BLT Pasta Salad is such a fun twist on a classic recipe. It’s bursting with tomatoes, green onions, and plenty of crisp bacon.
I’m sorry, okay? I just can’t help myself. I like bacon. It’s who I am. It’s what I do. It’s an integral part of me and I won’t deny it.
My mama once stuck bacon flavored lip balm in my stocking, alongside some bacon flavored toothpicks.
Clearly I have a reputation.
Even with all of that love for bacon flowing through my veins, the first time I tried this BLT macaroni salad, I really didn’t have high hopes.
Macaroni salad should have mayonnaise, eggs, and green olives and that’s about it! That’s the way my mama made it and my mama couldn’t be wrong. Try my mama’s macaroni salad recipe next!
Who decided it was okay to add bacon? And tomatoes! In a macaroni salad? Who the heck authorized that?
I am happy to report that bacon and tomatoes in a macaroni salad is actually completely legal and very yummy.
Who knew that pasta salad with mayo, bacon, and tomatoes would be so outrageously good anyway?
You have to try this pasta salad with mayo, bacon, and tomatoes!
This would be a perfect side dish for just about any kind of grilled meat. Macaroni salad just screams summer. Of course, it’s also good with my turkey meatloaf.
I hate to admit that any time I make this for my little family, I end up eating the leftovers for breakfast every day until it’s finally gone. I mean, it has BACON. It’s kinda breakfast food, right?
Quit judging me.
Oh, and if anyone asks what the “L” stands for in the “BLT” portion of this dish, just stick your tongue out at them and then eat their share. That’ll teach ’em.
Or, if you’re a stickler for proper abbreviations, I’ve heard that some chopped romaine works really well in this dish too. I haven’t tried myself, but if I did, I’d stir it in just before serving. Nobody wants wilty lettuce, my friends.
BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound macaroni
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 2-3 bunches green onions plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and pour into large mixing bowl.
- Fry 8 slices of bacon and, when cool enough to handle, crumble into bite sized pieces. Set aside.
- Chop tomatoes and green onions, add to small mixing bowl. Mix in mayonnaise and vinegar. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Pour mayonnaise mixture over macaroni and stir together well. Chill for 2 hours.
- Stir in the bacon just before serving. Top with extra green onions, as desired.
Nutrition Information:
(These images were updated April 2017 – original image below!)
Nancy Stephens-King says
I’m not sticking my tongue out at anyone, why? Because I am adding some, sorta finely, chopped lettuce as well! Yum Yum Good!
Joan Kusich says
This was the best EVER..just added some shreddedsharp cheddar
Can’t stop eating it!
Karly says
Cheese could only make this better! Great idea!
Judy ward says
Can I use can diced tomatoes
Karly says
I would used fresh tomatoes in this recipe.
Judy says
Can I use can diced tomatoes
Christopher says
I made this for a church function. And wouldn’t you know, a couple of the lady’s, helping me in the kitchen, balked about there being no “lettuce.” So I tried calling it a “BPT.” That didn’t work. So I sliced a few leaves of Romaine lettuce into 1/2″ strips and folded them into the salad. Problem solved, and it was very good. Thank you. God bless.
Karen says
I chop up cucumber in my macaroni salad and my potato salads. I get many compliments on how it ups the flavors.
Allison says
Wow just made this and was awesome! Would of never thought this would be a good mix but was delicious! Pretty easy to make too!
Karly says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Suzy Regan says
OMG!! Delicious!!! My 1st time ever making macaroni salad!!! I chose wisely!! I didn’t have the vinegar recommended so I went with rice vinegar was very tasty!!! I didn’t use green onions (since I don’t care for them)-my boyfriend put black olives in hs -I served this for dinner guests (casual gathering) & it was a huge hit!!! Can’t wait to make this again!!
Karly says
So glad you enjoyed this one! I bet the black olives made a great addition! 🙂
Wanda says
I made this for us tonight it was very good. I only had about 6 onions (I needed more) so I used some broccoli flowerets and cut the mayo down and added some ranch dressing. I will use this again soon!
Karly says
Sounds like some great swaps!
Charlie says
How many does this serve?