Name: BLT Macaroni Salad
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, cooked and crumbled; 4 tomatoes, diced; 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Description

This BLT Macaroni Salad is a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic macaroni salad, combining the irresistible flavors of a BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes—with creamy, tangy pasta. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a hearty side dish, this salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

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, cooked and crumbled
4 tomatoes, diced
1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni Pasta:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Mix the Pasta and Dressing:
Add the cooled macaroni noodles to the bowl with the dressing. Toss until the pasta is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the Bacon:
While the pasta chills, cook the bacon until crispy, either by pan-frying or baking in the oven. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Prep the Vegetables and Cheese:
Dice the tomatoes, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, and shred the cheddar cheese.
Combine the Ingredients:
Just before serving, add the bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded cheddar to the pasta. For a creamier consistency, stir in a splash of milk if desired. Toss everything together until well combined.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad chilled, and enjoy the crunchy, creamy goodness of this BLT-inspired dish.

Notes

Make Ahead: To keep the salad fresh and crunchy, wait to add the bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese until right before serving. You can prepare the pasta and dressing ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Customization: This salad is highly adaptable. Feel free to add extra ingredients like avocados, boiled eggs, or roasted corn. For a lighter version, substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can also experiment with different cheeses or swap bacon for turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. If the salad becomes dry, refresh it with a little extra dressing or a splash of milk before serving.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs without compromising on taste.