When asked to attend a potluck, my Spicy Macaroni Salad is often specifically requested. Unlike the usual bland pasta salads, this recipe will wake up your mouth…in a good way!

It’s super easy to make and does well with being made in advance so the flavors have time to blend.

SPICY MACARONI SALAD – makes about 6 cups

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 T lemon juice
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic, pressed or minced
• 3/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp Tabasco (or other hot sauce)
• 8 oz small elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped radishes
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 1/4 cup scallions
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 T dried dill (or 3 T fresh)

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, Dijon, garlic, pepper, and Tabasco. Stir the carrots, radishes, cucumber, scallions, parsley, and dill into the dressing. Mix well and chill.Cook pasta in salted water until just tender. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking (don’t worry, it will continue to soften when mixed with the dressing) and drain. Mix into the dressing. Chill at least an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the pasta.