BBQ Macaroni Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold flavors: The combination of BBQ sauce, kielbasa, and spices creates a smoky, savory flavor that elevates the typical macaroni salad.
• Simple & quick: With just a few ingredients, this salad is easy to prepare and comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Hearty & satisfying: The kielbasa sausage adds substance, making this a fulfilling dish on its own or as a side.
• Perfect for parties: This macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, and picnics.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3-4 green onions, diced
• 12-13 ounces kielbasa sausage, cut into bite-sized chunks
• ¾ cup mayo
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

Directions

1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
2. Cook the kielbasa: While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the kielbasa sausage chunks and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and chili powder until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, red bell pepper, green onions, and cooked kielbasa. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
5. Chill & Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

Servings and timing

• Yields: Approximately 6-8 servings.
• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 30-40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the kielbasa sausage and substitute with grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy: Increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
• Cheesy: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella for a creamy, cheesy twist.
• Creamier: Add an extra ¼ cup of mayo if you prefer a creamier texture.

Storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover BBQ macaroni salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the pasta and veggies may change when thawed.
• To reheat: This dish is best served chilled, but if you prefer to eat it warm, gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove, though the texture may be affected.

FAQs

1. Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually better if you make it ahead of time. Allowing the salad to chill for a few hours or overnight helps the flavors meld together.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta, such as rotini, penne, or shells, instead of elbow macaroni.

3. Is there a non-mayo version of this salad?

Yes, you can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option.

4. Can I use another type of sausage?

You can substitute kielbasa with other types of sausage, such as smoked sausage or andouille sausage, for a different flavor.

5. How spicy is this salad?

The level of spice is mild to medium due to the cayenne pepper and chili powder. You can adjust the amount of cayenne or add more chili powder if you prefer more heat.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! You can add diced celery, shredded carrots, or peas for more crunch and flavor.

7. Can I make it vegan?

Yes, substitute the mayo with a vegan mayo or other plant-based dressings, and omit the kielbasa for a fully vegan version.

8. Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, adding shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack gives it a creamy, cheesy touch that complements the BBQ flavor.

9. How long can I store this salad?

Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best served fresh, but will keep well in an airtight container for a few days.

10. Can I add more BBQ sauce?

Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce based on your taste. Adding more will increase the smoky flavor.

Conclusion

BBQ macaroni salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic side dish. The combination of creamy mayo, smoky kielbasa, tangy BBQ sauce, and spicy seasoning makes this salad a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a picnic, or just looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this dish is sure to impress.

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