Barbecue Macaroni Salad with Smoked Sausage

Barbecue macaroni salad, a popular side dish at cookouts and picnics, is known for its saccharine-sweet and sticky taste. However, we wanted to create a version that balanced the tangy, sweet, and smoky barbecue flavors while toning down the excessive sweetness. To achieve this, we developed a delightful macaroni salad by combining bottled barbecue sauce with creamy mayonnaise. This perfect blend of tangy and creamy flavors elevated the dish to new heights. We also added sautéed smoked sausage to enhance the cookout feel and make the salad more substantial. A touch of cider vinegar and hot sauce brought an extra burst of piquant flavors. By cooking the pasta until tender and keeping it slightly wet after rinsing, we ensured a flawless texture for the finished salad. This barbecue macaroni salad can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days, requiring only a quick refresh with warm water and additional mayonnaise, salt, and pepper before serving.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 8 ounces smoked sausage or kielbasa, cut into ½-inch chunks
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• Salt and pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped fine
• 1 celery rib, minced
• 4 scallions, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

PREPARATIONS:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sausage and cook until browned approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate and let it cool.
2. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the elbow macaroni and 1 tablespoon of salt, and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is tender.
3. Drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water, and drain again, leaving the pasta slightly wet.
4. In a large bowl, toss the pasta, browned sausage, red bell pepper, celery, scallions, cider vinegar, hot sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne together to combine.
5. Allow the mixture to sit for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to be absorbed. Stir in the mayonnaise and barbecue sauce, cover the bowl, and let it sit for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Season the barbecue macaroni salad with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

YIELD:

• This barbecue macaroni salad recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Cooking the pasta until it is completely tender and leaving it slightly wet after rinsing are essential steps for achieving the desired texture of the finished salad.

TIPS:

• To maintain the creamy texture, refrigerate the macaroni salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Before serving, add warm water as needed to refresh the texture and season with additional mayonnaise, salt, and pepper for an enhanced flavor experience.

In conclusion, our barbecue macaroni salad recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors that makes it a standout dish for any cookout or picnic. By combining tangy bottled barbecue sauce with creamy mayonnaise, we’ve achieved a delightful harmony that takes the traditional macaroni salad to new heights. The addition of sautéed smoked sausage adds a hearty touch, elevating the salad to a satisfying main course or side dish option.

The macaroni salad’s tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors are complemented by the crunch of red bell pepper, the freshness of celery and scallions, and the piquant zing of cider vinegar and hot sauce. The pinch of cayenne pepper brings a subtle heat that enhances the overall taste profile. All these carefully selected ingredients work together harmoniously to create a mouthwatering and well-balanced macaroni salad.

Preparing this barbecue macaroni salad is simple and efficient, and it can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for gatherings and parties. With its creamy texture and flavorful blend of ingredients, this dish will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser, satisfying even the most discerning taste buds.

Furthermore, this macaroni salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days without losing its deliciousness. When serving, a quick refresh with warm water and additional mayonnaise, salt, and pepper will ensure that the salad retains its creamy and delightful texture.

Overall, this barbecue macaroni salad is an excellent addition to any summer menu. Its unique blend of flavors, creamy texture, and ease of preparation make it a winning choice for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish or the main event, this tangy and smoky macaroni salad will delight guests and leave a lasting impression.