Sometimes a recipe pops up on TikTok that you just know is destined for your summer potluck rotation. For me, that latest obsession is the BLT Macaroni Salad from Matthew Bounds, better known as @yourbarefootneighbor. This recipe hits all the right notes—creamy, savory, a little smoky and downright irresistible. Plus, it’s the perfect mashup of a classic BLT and a fan-favorite picnic side, macaroni salad, which means it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.I’m always on the hunt for recipes that come together quickly, especially when my house is full of hungry kids and our schedule is packed. This one is easy, fast and has enough flavor to keep everyone coming back for seconds.Related:Dolly Parton’s Secret Ingredient for the Best-Ever Macaroni Salad?? SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter. ??
@yourbarefootneighborIt’s #pepperpartner Wednesday and we’re putting together a #blt #pastasalad #macaronisalad #cookoutfood #potluck
The heart of this dish is a creamy, flavor-packed dressing that’s as simple as it gets. It starts with a generous dollop of mayonnaise (the kind you’d reach for when making a good potato salad) mixed with a few spoonfuls of ranch dressing. This combo is a no-brainer for anyone who loves a rich, tangy base for pasta salads.Season it with a bit of salt, freshly cracked black pepper and a good hit of garlic powder. The garlic powder is a must here. It adds a warm, savory note to the salad. Give the dressing a good stir until it’s smooth and well combined, then set it aside while you get the rest of the salad ready.
This dressing is the backbone of the dish and it clings perfectly to the pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. And because it’s so simple, you can adjust the ratios to your liking. Add a little more mayo for extra creaminess, a touch more garlic powder if you like a bit more bite or some freshly chopped herbs for a little freshness. It’s all about finding the balance that makes your taste buds sing.Related: My Chef-Husband Cracked the Code to the Best Creamy, Tangy, Never Ever Mushy Potato Salad
Building the Ultimate BLT Pasta Salad
After your dressing is prepped, cook your pasta (Matthew suggests any kind you like, which means it’s a perfect way to clear out that half-empty box of rotini or elbow macaroni sitting in your pantry). Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and keep it from sticking together, then toss it into the bowl with the dressing. The cold rinse also helps the pasta maintain its texture, keeping it nice and firm even after it’s dressed.
Once the pasta is coated in the dressing, add some crispy, chopped bacon for a smoky, salty bite, sliced cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and acidity and shredded or cubed cheddar cheese if you want to add a little more creamy richness to the mix. The bacon is the heart of this dish’s BLT vibes, bringing that savory crunch that makes every forkful satisfying. If you’re a cheese lover, the addition of sharp cheddar really takes this up a notch, adding a bit of depth that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing.
Stir it all together until every piece is coated in that incredible dressing. Then, pop it in the fridge to chill for a bit before serving. This is one of those dishes that actually gets better as it sits, allowing all the flavors to meld together. It serves a crowd and can be made in advance, which makes it the perfect choice for all those backyard cookouts and picnics you have coming up.
Serve it chilled, and watch it disappear at your next barbecue or family gathering. This one is worth making!
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Related: How to Make the Best-Ever Potato Salad, According to Chef Jacques Pépin
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