Summer meals don’t get much better than classics done right. This Garlicky BLT Macaroni Salad is creamy, fresh, and packed with everything you love about a BLT—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce—tossed with tender pasta and a bold garlic mayo dressing. It’s the kind of side dish that shows up at backyard BBQs and disappears fast.
Whether you’re planning a weekend cookout, a casual family dinner, or a potluck with friends, this easy pasta salad is made for warm-weather gatherings. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and a timeless feel make it a recipe you’ll reach for all summer long.
If you love pasta salads, check out my full guide to pasta salad recipes for more ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Salad
- Perfect BBQ Side Dish: A refreshing companion to grilled meats, burgers, or pulled pork.
- Simple to Make: Quick prep with basic pantry ingredients like pasta, bacon, and creamy dressing.
- Totally Customizable: Add olives, carrots, or red cabbage — you really can’t mess this up!
Ingredients
- 1 box corkscrew pasta
- 8 thick-cut bacon strips
- 4 cups sliced grape tomatoes
- 5 cups thinly sliced lettuce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt & freshly ground pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 4 tbsp chopped chives or green onions
- A drizzle of olive oil
How to Make Garlicky BLT Macaroni Salad
- Bake the Bacon: Place on a baking sheet and cook at 350°F for 15–16 minutes until crispy. Drain, cool, and chop.
- Cook the Pasta: Follow package directions, drain, and drizzle with olive oil to keep it from sticking.
- Prep the Vegetables: Slice lettuce, tomatoes, and chives; set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, half the chives, and a little olive oil if the dressing is thick.
- Toss Everything: Add dressing to the pasta, mix in tomatoes, then gently fold in bacon and lettuce.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with remaining chives and enjoy this classic pasta salad at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Want a vegetarian version? Simply omit the protein — it’s still delicious.
- Feel free to swap in your favorite shaped pasta like rotini or elbows.
Garlicky BLT Macaroni Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This Garlicky BLT Macaroni Salad is a creamy, flavor-packed summer side made with tender pasta, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and a bold garlic mayo dressing. It’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, and easy family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Salad
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1 pound short pasta (corkscrew, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
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8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
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4 cups grape tomatoes, halved
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4–5 cups chopped lettuce (romaine or leaf lettuce)
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
For the Garlic Mayo Dressing
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¾ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream
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1 clove garlic, finely minced
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil, as needed
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water. Transfer to a large bowl and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil until smooth and creamy.
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Add the dressing to the cooled pasta and toss until evenly coated.
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Fold in the tomatoes and half of the chives.
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Just before serving, gently stir in the chopped bacon and lettuce.
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Garnish with remaining chives and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
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For best texture, add the lettuce and bacon right before serving.
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If the salad thickens after chilling, stir in a tablespoon or two of mayo or milk to loosen the dressing.
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This salad can be made up to 24 hours ahead (without lettuce).
- Prep Time: 20 MINS
- Cook Time: 15 MINUTES
- Category: SIDE DISH | PASTA SALAD
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: AMERICAN | BBQ
FAQ:
Can I make BLT macaroni salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this salad up to 24 hours in advance. For best texture, wait to fold in the lettuce and bacon until just before serving so everything stays crisp and fresh.
What’s the best pasta for BLT macaroni salad?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes work best. Corkscrew, rotini, cavatappi, or elbow macaroni all hold the creamy garlic dressing well and mix evenly with the bacon and tomatoes.
How do I keep macaroni salad from drying out?
If the pasta absorbs too much dressing after chilling, simply stir in 1–2 tablespoons of mayo or a splash of milk right before serving to refresh it.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Yes. You can swap part or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a slightly lighter version while still keeping it creamy. Add vinegar too for an extra tangy dressing.
Is BLT macaroni salad served cold or at room temperature?
This salad is best served slightly chilled from the fridge or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, and backyard BBQs.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely. This recipe is very flexible. Popular additions include shredded cheddar, chicken, red onion, avocado, or peas.
Final Thoughts
This Garlicky BLT Macaroni Salad is everything you want in a summer side dish—creamy, savory, fresh, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the kind of recipe that disappears fast at BBQs and potlucks, yet comes together with simple, everyday ingredients.
Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled burgers, packing it up for a picnic, or making it ahead for a busy week, this BLT pasta salad delivers classic flavor with a little extra garlic goodness. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it all season long.
