Love BLT sandwiches? This iconic sandwich is popular everywhere, and while it’s perfect on its own: bacon, lettuce, and tomato on (usually) toasted bread, many restaurants and cooks have added variations over the years. I.e., in California, they add avocado, and many restaurant menus add sliced chicken or turkey, as well as onions. The following delicious BLT Macaroni Salad combines the classic ingredients of a BLT with macaroni, mayo, and a little thousand island dressing to add extra flavor. If you choose, you can add diced cooked chicken breast to make this salad more hearty, and also chopped onions (green or red), and avocado. My family likes everything, but it is absolutely yummy just with the traditional ingredients.

This salad is perfect to take to a pot luck or outdoor gathering. It is great served at a barbecue with grilled meats, fish, or poultry.

8 Servings

8 ounces bacon, chopped

8 ounces elbow macaroni

1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup thousand island dressing

8 ounces cherry tomato(s), halved or quartered depending on size

1 small head chopped romaine lettuce

2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and cut into chunks, (optional)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion, (optional)
2 to 3 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into small chunks, (optional)

1. Cook the bacon until crisp; drain and set aside.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil; add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente; rinse in cold water and drain well. Place in a serving dish.
3. Mix the mayonnaise and thousand island dressing; stir into the macaroni.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, and any optional ingredients you are using. Cover and chill well before serving.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 217 Calories from Fat 83
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 38% Protein 13% Carb. 49%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 13 mg
Sodium 318 mg
Total Carbohydrate 26 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 7 g

Vitamin A 8% Vitamin C 21% Calcium 0% Iron 8%