Macaroni Salad

This is one of those feel-good side dishes that tastes so good with summer food, or, if it is winter, it might make you remember what summer was like.  It's not hard to make, and it tastes SOOOOOO much better than store-bought.

You Need:

1 lb. package small pasta
1/2 lb. colby jack or cheddar cheese
1 or 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, green, or orange)
5-6 green onions
1 can tuna or small shrimp OR 1/2 lb. cooked ham
2 c. Miracle Whip (Or 1/2 Miracle Whip and 1/2 Mayo)
1 c. honey or dijon style mustard (I use my mom's, Dione's Mustard, email me to find out how to get it.)
1/2 to 3/4 c. sugar
1-2 T. rice vinegar or red wine vinegar
salt and pepper

Cook the pasta according to package directions.  Drain in a colander and run cold water over it until the pasta is cold.  Drain out as much water as possible.  Dice the cheese, peppers, and ham (if using).  Slice the green onions.  Drain tuna or shrimp (if using).  Put all of these ingredients in a large bowl.

In a medium mixing bowl, mix the Miracle Whip, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper until the sugar disolves. If it seems to thick, add some milk a 1/4 c. at a time.

Pour the dressing over the macaroni and stir to cover every morsel with dressing. 

It is great right then, and even better the next day.  I love to serve this with BBQ Ribs, hamburgers, chicken wings, or anything else on the grill!