Mel's Blt Dinner Salad Incorporates The Elements Of A Blt Sandwich, Mixes Them With Creamy Dressing And Pasta To Create A Fantastic Pasta Salad
- Mel's BLT dinner salad is a creamy pasta salad that combines smoky bacon, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and elbow pasta with a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing.
Mel's Blt Dinner Salad
Mel's BLT dinner salad incorporates the elements of a BLT sandwich, mixes them with creamy dressing and pasta to create a fantastic pasta salad. Smoky bacon adds crunch and makes the cherry tomatoes taste even sweeter. They, along with bits of lettuce and elbow pasta, are mixed with a creamy and tangy mayonnaise-based dressing. This would be perfect alongside grilled chicken for a summer dinner. The salad alone could be a light meal on a hot day.
"A variation of this salad originally appeared in Taste of the South's May issue and was served as a side salad. After looking the recipe over and giving it my "Mel" twist, this is a dinner salad we serve regularly. We enjoy it with crusty bread and a cool glass of lemonade. I doubled - and then some - the amount of bacon and arranged the ingredients to our family's tastes. It's a big hit and much requested. It goes fast at family get-togethers and is great the next day to serve as leftovers. Hope you enjoy!" - Melanie Walker
Ingredients
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2 c Mayonnaise
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1/3 c Apple Cider Vinegar
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2 tsp Salt
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2 tsp Garlic Powder
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2 tsp Black Pepper
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2 lb Macaroni, Elbow
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1 lb Bacon, Cooked And Crumbled
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2 c Grape Tomatoes, Halved
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4 c Romaine Lettuce Leaves, Roughly Cut
How To Make Mel's Blt Dinner Salad
In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain. I use elbow macaroni, or, for a fancier look, I use bow ties.
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Toss together.
Pour the dressing over the salad.
Toss together and make sure everything is coated. Serve chilled for best results.
About This Recipe & The Test Kitchen
Mel's Blt Dinner Salad has been awarded a Blue Ribbon from The Just A Pinch Test Kitchen who prepare and review thousands of real recipes submitted by real home cooks. The best are featured on justapinch.com as Blue Ribbon recipes.
