Suggestion for a Macaroni/Pasta Salad

Seems very sweet.. I prefer rice dressing and/or potato salad as a starch with barbeque.

It doesn't look very interesting to me. Seems pretty plain for a pasta salad. I should add that I'm not a big fan of pasta salads, though. I prefer slaw or potato salad. What other sides are you having?

no miracle whip. just blue plate.

no mustard at all

broccoli
tomatoes
sweet peas
elbow mac
eggs
imitation crab meat
chopped bell pepper
cut up cucumber

What about a caprese orzo salad? The tomatoes would be refreshing with the rest of your sides and entree.

I have another orzo salad in the TD recipe book, but it has a good many ingredients. I like it.

I can't say I've ever had a pasta salad I actually liked. They're boring, starchy, and mushy. Pullled pork or ribs are fatty & rich; I like a lighter, tangy side to cut through the sweet/fatty flavors of the meats.

Why not make a bean & corn salad instead? Cooked black beans (canned is fine), plus thawed frozen shoepeg or supersweet corn kernels, a little diced red onion, some chopped fresh parsley & cilantro, dressed w/red wine vinegar and EVOO. If you want, a pinch of cumin in the dressing, and a bunch of sliced green onions. Halved cherry tomatoes or diced tomato is also good in this. If you're not into black beans, google Texas caviar, which is made with blackeyed peas.

Another option is succotash: baby green limas, corn, tomatoes, etc.

Or stick to the traditional and do coleslaw.

get rid of the damn miracle whip and use mayo!

Chef John’s version is legit. And the specific techniques/details he discusses about temperature and such are right on.

Delicious

TWO CUPS of mayo/miracle whip?

That's a lot for one pound of pasta.

Just mix all of whatever dry ingredients you use, then slowly add Blue Plate until desired consistency.