Bacon and Avocado Macaroni Salad
So with my most recent Fresh Easy shopping adventure, I stocked up on some elbow macaroni pasta, bacon, avocado, fresh thyme and a bag of lemons in hopes of making an out-of-this-world-type macaroni salad. And boy, was I in for a treat. This simple macaroni salad of just three main ingredients comes together so beautifully as they get tossed in an incredibly creamy lemon-thyme dressing. It has such a wonderful burst of fresh flavors with just enough savoriness from the fatty, crisp, salty bacon. It's become my most favorite summer picnic recipes yet!
So with my most recent Fresh Easy shopping adventure, I stocked up on some elbow macaroni pasta, bacon, avocado, fresh thyme and a bag of lemons in hopes of making an out-of-this-world-type macaroni salad. And boy, was I in for a treat. This simple macaroni salad of just three main ingredients comes together so beautifully as they get tossed in an incredibly creamy lemon-thyme dressing. It has such a wonderful burst of fresh flavors with just enough savoriness from the fatty, crisp, salty bacon. It's become my most favorite summer picnic recipes yet!
- Carbohydrate 77.1967724654269 g
- Cholesterol 39.4060132572573 mg
- Fat 51.0006630508282 g
- Fiber 9.79174938930787 g
- Protein 17.4776489592517 g
- Saturated Fat 10.4610436398983 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (326g)
- Sodium 1570.74281596942 mg
- Sugar 67.4050230761191 g
- Trans Fat 15.7558500552932 g
- Calories 829 calories
Step-by-step
- To make the dressing, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar and thyme in the bowl of a food processor; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- With the motor running, add the olive oil in a slow stream until emulsified; set aside.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, bacon, avocado, lemon-thyme dressing, salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with thyme.
Bacon and Avocado Macaroni Salad: A Summertime Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can be a real challenge. But when summer rolls around, I crave lighter, fresher dishes that don't require hours in the kitchen. This Bacon and Avocado Macaroni Salad has become my go-to recipe for picnics, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner. It’s surprisingly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. Three main ingredients—elbow macaroni, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado—combine to create a symphony of textures and tastes. The creamy lemon-thyme dressing is the perfect complement, tying everything together with a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the bacon and avocado. I love how the fresh thyme adds a subtle herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish.
What I particularly appreciate about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to adjust it to your liking. Add some chopped red onion for a bit of bite, or some cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness and color. If you're not a fan of bacon, you could substitute grilled chicken or shrimp for a leaner protein option. The possibilities are endless!
Preparing the Dressing: The key to this salad is the homemade lemon-thyme dressing. It's incredibly simple to make, but the flavor is truly exceptional. The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, thyme, mayonnaise, and olive oil creates a creamy, tangy, and herbaceous sauce that's addictive. I recommend using fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme will work in a pinch.
Cooking the Pasta and Bacon: Cooking the elbow macaroni is straightforward—just follow the package directions. The bacon, however, deserves a bit more attention. I prefer to cook my bacon until it's nice and crispy, then blot it on paper towels to remove any excess grease. This ensures that the bacon adds a delightful crunch and salty flavor to the salad without making it overly greasy.
Assembling the Salad: Once the pasta and bacon are cooked, the salad comes together in minutes. Simply combine everything in a large bowl: the cooked macaroni, crispy bacon, diced avocado, lemon-thyme dressing, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything to coat the pasta evenly with the dressing. I like to garnish the salad with a few extra sprigs of fresh thyme before serving. It’s a beautiful and aromatic touch.
Serving Suggestions: This Bacon and Avocado Macaroni Salad is perfect for a variety of occasions. It's a wonderful addition to any summer picnic or barbecue. It also makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or fish. And if you're looking for a quick and easy lunch or light dinner, this salad is the perfect choice. It’s also great for meal prepping – you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days.
Beyond its deliciousness and ease of preparation, this salad offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. The creamy avocado provides a rich, smooth element, the crispy bacon lends a delightful crunch and salty accent, and the zesty lemon-thyme dressing adds a refreshing burst of brightness. This combination creates a truly satisfying and unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe is a testament to the magic that can happen when simple ingredients are thoughtfully combined.
So, the next time you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful summer salad, give this Bacon and Avocado Macaroni Salad a try. It's sure to become a new favorite in your household.
