BACON AND AVOCADO MACARONI SALAD

BACON AND AVOCADO MACARONI SALAD 12 ounces elbows 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 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.