Summer is officially here. With outdoor cookouts and parties a plenty this time of year, I’m always looking for delicious and easy dishes. I’m a big fan of classic macaroni and pasta salads, but sometimes I like to switch things up a bit. That’s why today, I’m sharing my simple recipe for BLT Macaroni Salad.
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Inspired by the bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, this BLT Macaroni Salad combines all of the flavors and textures that make the sandwich so popular.
My recommendation for this salad, as with any of my recipes, is to use high quality ingredients. Since the focus of the salad is on the B, the L, and the T, you want to get the best you can find.
B: I prefer thick-cut bacon that I’ve cooked myself. On my blog, you can check out my favorite way to cook bacon and how to do it without splattering grease all over your stovetop.
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L: I use whatever variety of lettuce that is available. I happened to find some beautiful baby arugula. With its peppery undertones, it worked especially well in this recipe. However, spinach or romaine would be great here too.
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T: I like to get cherry or grape tomatoes from the farmers market. If you have some growing in your garden, those would be even better.
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Oh, and while you’re in the garden, grab some fresh basil. I harvested mine from my DIY Vertical Herb Garden. Basil brings a bright, fresh flavor to the mayonnaise dressing and tastes great paired with tomatoes.
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Once you’ve assembled all of your ingredients, this summer salad comes together in under 30 minutes. Plate it up on some outdoor serving dishes you picked up on your latest HomeGoods adventure, and you’ll have a beautiful and tasty side dish that will perfectly complement any summer cookout.
Let’s whip up a batch of this salad.
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BLT Macaroni Salad
Serves 10-15
1 pound pasta (of your choice), cooked al dente according the package directions
8 ounces cherry tomatoes, cut in half
8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
2 cups baby arugula (Spinach leaves or chopped romaine would work as well.)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh basil, julienned
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Begin by preparing your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water until cool. Drain well. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl.
Top the pasta with the halved tomatoes, bacon, and arugula.
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, fresh basil, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the pasta, tomatoes, bacon, arugula. Stir gently using a large spoon until the pasta is completely coated. Chill for at least one hour before serving.
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That’s it, my friends. I told you this was simple.
Now you’re ready with another delicious recipe to make your outdoor festivities even more delightful.
Wishing each of you a wonderful summer!
Michael Wurm Jr. is the blogger behind the popular lifestyle blog, Inspired by Charm, where he shares his love for a decorated life. Whether it’s ideas for easy decorating, a delicious recipe, entertaining inspiration, or a unique DIY project, his goal is to provide tools and tips for everyone to live a happy, colorful life. You can also find Michael on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.
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