Ah, macaroni salad. Just the thought brings back memories of summer picnics and barbecues, doesn’t it? This Creamy and Easy BLT Macaroni Salad is like a picnic in a bowl, with the crispy bacon dancing around the creamy pasta like they were made for each other. It’s a dish that whispers comfort and screams flavor, perfect for those lazy afternoons when you want something simple yet indulgent.
Steps
- Cook the elbow macaroni following the instructions on the package, then drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Gently fold in crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and chopped spinach until all ingredients are well combined.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve, ideally adding mix-ins shortly before serving for optimal texture.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 8 pieces of bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup seeded and diced tomatoes
- 1 cup roughly chopped baby spinach
FAQ
- How long can I store BLT Macaroni Salad in the refrigerator?
- You can keep the homemade BLT macaroni salad in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Can I make substitutions if I don’t have all the ingredients?
- Yes, you can make some substitutions. For example, you can use cherry tomatoes instead of regular ones, and either spinach or lettuce can be used as the greens.
- Is it possible to prepare the salad in advance?
- Certainly! You can mix the mayonnaise and sour cream dressing with the macaroni the night before and store it in the fridge. It’s best to add the other ingredients a couple of hours or right before serving for optimal texture.
- What is the best way to serve BLT Macaroni Salad?
- It’s ideal to toss in all the mix-ins shortly before serving for the best results and texture.
- Why is this salad a good option for outdoor gatherings?
- This salad is great for picnics and potlucks because it is not too rich, pairs well with various main dishes, travels easily, and is generally liked by even picky eaters.
Tips
- To maintain the best texture, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream dressing with the macaroni the night before serving, but add the bacon, spinach, and tomatoes only a few hours or right before serving.
- If you lack any specific ingredients, don’t hesitate to substitute. Cherry tomatoes can replace regular ones, and you can use either spinach or lettuce based on what you have available.
- For optimal freshness and flavor, store the prepared BLT macaroni salad in the refrigerator and consume it within two days.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – Useful for mixing the macaroni with the dressing and other ingredients.
- Colander – Essential for draining the cooked macaroni.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurately measuring ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices.
- Kitchen Scale – To measure the 16 ounces of macaroni accurately if not using pre-packaged pasta.
- Knife Set – For chopping and dicing the tomatoes and spinach.
- Cutting Board – Needed for preparing the vegetables and possibly the bacon.
- Bacon Crisper or Microwave Bacon Cooker – If someone wants an easy way to cook and crisp bacon.
