👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just tender (al dente). Drain immediately, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps keep the noodles from sticking together. Set aside to cool completely.
2️⃣ Prepare the dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed. The balance of tangy, sweet, and savory is what makes this salad shine.
3️⃣ Combine pasta and dressing:
Add the cooled macaroni into the bowl with the dressing. Toss well until every noodle is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour – this resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4️⃣ Prep the toppings:
While the pasta chills, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Dice the tomatoes, chop the lettuce, and shred the cheddar cheese. Keep these in separate bowls until ready to mix.
5️⃣ Assemble and serve:
Right before serving, fold the bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese into the chilled pasta. If the salad looks too thick, stir in a splash of milk or cream for a looser, creamier consistency.
🌟 Pro Tips
Keep it crunchy: To prevent the lettuce from wilting and the bacon from losing its crispiness, don’t mix them in until right before serving.
Make it lighter: Swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing.
Cheese swap: Colby Jack or mozzarella can be used instead of cheddar if you prefer a milder flavor.
Meal prep tip: The dressing and pasta can be made the night before, then add fresh toppings the next day.
🍴 Serving Ideas
Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers at your next cookout.
Bring it to a potluck or picnic – it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
Enjoy it as a light lunch with a slice of crusty bread.
💬 Why Everyone Loves This Dish
✅ Combines two classics: BLT + macaroni salad
✅ Creamy, savory, and crunchy all in one bite
✅ Perfect for feeding a crowd
✅ Easy to make ahead of time
This BLT Macaroni Salad is comfort food with a fresh twist – familiar, nostalgic, yet exciting enough to stand out on any table. Once you try it, you may never go back to plain old macaroni salad again!
