Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Bacon and Avocado Macaroni Salad


Bacon and Avocado Macaroni Salad


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. 


Ingredients

    • 12 ounces elbow pasta
    • 5 slices bacon, diced
    • 2 avocados, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 2 teaspoons 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

INSTRUCTIONS
  • 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.



Preparation time: 15 minute(s)
Cooking time: 15 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 6



2 comments:

Erica Bolticoff said...

This might become a new favorite at our house. Thanks for posting!

Erica Bolticoff said...

This might become a new favorite at our house. Thanks for posting!