With warm weather days ahead of us it’s hard not to envision tempting backyard spreads.

We would be remiss to plan any event without the ubiquitous summer staple, macaroni salad.

Truly, no backyard cookout is complete without it!

This quintessential picnic dish provides a solid foundation for almost any main event.

It effortlessly pairs with standard BBQ favorites such as hamburgers, hotdogs, and everything in between. It’s generally served cold and creamy, offering a refreshing complement. Nothing quite says summertime like an old-fashioned bowl of this delicious accompaniment.

Perhaps you may be wondering just where this tradition began.

According to Ifood.tv the first recipe published was in 1962. The recipe was quite basic and instructed you to prepare the dish as you would potato salad. The website further explains:

“The dish gained in popularity during the early eighties and was touted as a form of Nouvelle Cuisine. Pastas in various shapes and sizes were heaped on a plate and topped with dressings of vinegar, olive oil or mayonnaise. Cream cheese was also used along with a variety of vegetables, herbs and spices which were added to enhance the taste of the bland dish.”

And so a star was born!

While you can’t necessarily improve upon a classic you can certainly riff it, which is exactly what’s going on in this recipe we’ve found for you today.

Sommer Collier of A Spicy Perspective has a fantastic rendition that is sure to make to you swoon. The recipe is home to many of the beloved foundational ingredients but likewise includes some pleasant twists. Collier says of it:

“This classic southern macaroni salad recipe has a few surprise ingredients to give that perky, super-addictive flavor we all know and love a zesty twist. It’s the perfect make ahead side dish for your next picnic or potluck!”

She was inspired to create it after tasting a version offered by a BBQ restaurant. Admittedly, she says that it wasn’t life-changing, but had components that moved her to create her own in the kitchen.

Collier says there’s a knack for crafting the best and most ‘crave-worthy’ recipe:

“It takes the right blend of ingredients to create a salty, slightly-sweet bite, that is balanced in spice and tang.”

Her secret power-house ingredients? Red peppers, kale, hot sauce, and bacon.

Fortunately, she has the know-how and we’re here to share it with you today!

One of the best parts is that it only takes 25 minutes to prepare, start to finish.

The ingredients you’ll need to make it are as follows:

• 1 pound macaroni pasta
• 12 ounces roasted red pepper, (1 jar) drained and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• salt and pepper
• 3/4 cup kale, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
• 1/2 cup scallions, chopped

The method for the “Best Macaroni Salad”:

1. To begin, cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the box. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water, transfer to a large mixing bowl, and set aside.

2. In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, hot sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the dressing to the macaroni and stir to combine.

4. Add the kale, bacon, pickle relish, and scallions to the bowl and stir to combine.

5. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve and enjoy it as a cold side dish.

Collier makes an important footer note in her recipe. She points out the fact that this dish can be made up to four days in advance and kept in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. What could be easier?

This quick and readily available recipe is the perfect idea for your next dinner, and perhaps it’ll have you starting your own tradition.

Follow this link over to Collier’s swoon-worthy blog for the full recipe, and be sure to check out her other fantastic meal ideas.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Sources: Sweet and Savory, A Spicy Perspective, Ifood.TV