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!)
Charlie says
Sounds good Karly!
I like anything that is BLT.
Will give this a try, and maybe add some iceberg lettuce to it.
Amanda says
I need this in my mouth!
jasibeth says
gonna try this with leeks!
Pat says
Why not Miracle Whip? I use it all the time, much more flavor than mayonnaise.
Sherrie Petty says
I love Macaroni Salad and this one sounds so good…I laughed about the “L” in the BLT, you could spoon it over a bed a Lettuce…just to make it prettier, and they would ask about the “L”. LOL
Karly says
@Sherrie Petty,
Haha! Great idea!
Carlin Lohrey says
Why not Miracle Whip? I like it better than mayo.
Dana says
I adore this idea!! Summer time side dish…can’t wait!
Jessm says
Meh. For all the hype, I found this salad just OK…. needed to add some dijon mustard for flavor. Wouldn’t make again.
Jsue says
Absolutely LOVE this. Having it as a side with some pulled pork sandwiches for dinner. YUM. Keep the bacon coming 🙂
Joanne says
I use white balsamic vinegar and this is my favorite summer potluck contribution!
Gloria says
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I just made this! Left out the white wine vinegar(forgot to buy it) My taste buds are dancing!!!I am a BACON lover too and this is just too magnificent! Thank you for sharing!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Elizabeth says
this sounds DELICIOUS! can’t wait to try it out Friday for a party I’m hosting. Thanks for sharing!
Jenny says
Yum! We loved it! Thanks!
Robyn says
My husband HATES mayo, but loved this salad!! Very yummy, thanks!
Janet says
I make this all the time…its good….increase the amount of bacon, though.