Sides for your supper

Happy National Barbecue Day!  Now that it's barbecue season, people are always looking for sides to serve when they host, or to take along when they go elsewhere.  Here are two that I've been making for years.  

Macaroni salad is my absolute favorite!  As usual, I use Dreamfield pasta to minimize the guilt.  As for the cole slaw recipe, I played around with Bobby Flay's recipe for a while to lighten it up, and came up with a version that tastes great and is more figure friendly.

They're both easy to prepare and transport, and feed a good sized crowd (though you should double the cole slaw recipe in that case)  These are perfect accompaniments for burgers, hot dogs, chicken, pork...you name it.  Make them your go-to sides for the summer!

Melissa's Macaroni Salad
1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked, drained and cooled
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup carrots, chopped
1/2 cup pimento stuffed green olives, sliced
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon celery seed

Mix macaroni, celery, onions, bell pepper and green olives together in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, relish, sugar, salt, pepper and celery seed, stirring well.

Stir dressing into the macaroni mixture.  Serve chilled.

Serves 8-10.

Creamy Cole Slaw
adapted from Bobby Flay

1/2 bag cole slaw mix
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons light sour cream
2 tablespoons grated onion (or 3 chopped scallions)
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons celery seed
salt and pepper to taste

Put cole slaw mix in a bowl.  Whisk together remaining ingredients and add to the cole slaw mix.  Combine and add more salt, pepper and/or sugar, if desired.