I love this salad because it is light and flavorful without being overwhelming. The lemon thyme dressing and avocado add a nice creaminess that is complimented by the bacon’s saltiness. I really like the simplicity of this salad; so much so, I have made it twice this week already.
Bacon Avocado Macaroni Salad (from Damn Delicious)
- 12 ounces elbows pasta
- 5 slices bacon, diced
- 2 avocados, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
For the Lemon Thyme Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup olive oil
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. Serves 4.
I could see myself eating your macaroni salad more than once a week myself. It sounds terrific.
I love it! I am addicted to it. I think I will probably have withdrawals from it once the price of avocados goes back up.
Great alternative to a boring old pasta salad. I love this one.
This recipe is simple and definately not boring old pasta salad.
This sounds like my husband’s idea of a perfect pasta salad, particularly with the bacon! I love avocado and the addition of fresh thyme sounds wonderful.
It is fantastic. You really should try it!
this looks so good!! 🙂
Thank you! It tastes as good as it looks.
Baaaaaacon!! And avocados and lemon juice!! Marriage!
A happy marriage indeed!