BBQ Macaroni Salad

~ BBQ Macaroni Salad ~

You know you have a family favorite recipe when your husband walks into the kitchen and says, "Oh boy! You haven't made that in a while." I never realized how much he liked this side dish until that moment. Since then, it has become a staple in our house for parties, quick dinners, and so much more!

This is a really versatile summer pasta salad! The dressing is rich and creamy, with a hint of heat. I love to serve it with BBQ foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs.

~ Ready! Set! Gather! ~

It’s time to roam around your kitchen and grab the ingredients for the salad before we start cooking.

~ Dry Ingredients ~

Pasta - 1 pound (Baby shells or elbows are my favorite for this pasta.)

Black Beans 16 oz

Corn 16 oz

2 Peppers, diced

Red onions - diced

Dressing Ingredients

Mayonnaise (Start with 1/2 cup - add more if the pasta is too dry)

Sweet Baby Rays Honey BBQ Sauce (Start with 1/2 cup - add more if the pasta is too dry)

Brown Sugar Dry Rub (see recipe in Episode 5)

~ Oh! No! What to substitute! ~

If you don’t have all of the ingredients, don’t worry! We have substitution recommendations that won’t impact the flavors.

Brown Sugar Spice Rub: If you’re short on time and don’t want to make the dry rub, feel free to use one package of taco seasoning.

Sweet Baby Rays Honey BBQ Sauce - If you don’t buy this brand, a traditional BBQ sauce will work. Just add 2-3 tablespoons of honey to the mix to taste.

Mayonnaise - If you’re running low, you can use plain yogurt and a bit of milk to adjust the consistency.

Black Beans - If black beans aren’t stalking your cupboards, use pink or red kidney beans or pinto beans.

~ Optional Ingredients ~

Here are a few optional ingredients:

Chopped green or black olives

Sour cream and chives

Chopped jalapenos

Green chilis (Mild or hot)

~ Ready! Set! Boil! ~

Boil the pasta per the instructions on the package and drain the pasta water once ready.

~ Ready! Set! Mix! ~

Add the pasta to a bowl. Combine the black beans, corn, diced peppers, diced red onions, and any optional ingredients you want to add.

Sprinkle on the brown sugar dry rub. 1 tablespoons for mild; 2-3 tablespoons to kick up the heat!

Add the mayonnaise and BBQ sauce in equal portions. Start with 1/2 cup of mayo and BBQ sauce. Add a little more if the salad is too dry or to adjust to your taste buds.

Once the pasta salad is finished, you can serve it immediately while it’s still warm or chill it and serve it cold. It’s yummy either way!

Author Notes

I hope that you enjoyed this recipe. If you really loved this, please check out my other STORIES, leave a comment, or share with other readers.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes.

~ Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream

~ Rustic Creole Salad

~ Apple Vinaigrette

~ Falling in Love with Salad

~ Spicy Dry Rub

~ Stuffed Peppers

Finally, if you have a story you think I might like, feel free to leave a link in my comments, and I will check it out. I really love creating healthy recipes, if you can tell. Oh, and good food, too!