8 Unique Pasta Salads Perfect For Picnics & Beyond

Macaroni salad gets a new personality. Instead of creamy cheese, coat noodles in peanut butter and miso, then add some spice with vinegar and chili-garlic sauce.

Ingredients:

1 pound whole wheat elbow pasta, or your favorite shape
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I used natural unsweetened, which is more gritty, but use what you like)
1 heaping tablespoon white miso
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, or rice wine vinegar
1 to 2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce, to taste (get a jar of the Huy Fong and stash it in the fridge -- it's ridiculously good)
2 teaspoons chopped ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons honey (or less, if using sweetened peanut butter)
3 to 5 dashes sesame oil, to taste
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and sliced
1/2 large watermelon radish, cut into 2-inch sticks
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into 2-inch sticks
1 cup broccoli florets, blanched or lightly steamed, chopped
8 sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped, legs and all, plus extra for garnish
Roasted peanuts, for garnish

Full recipe HERE!

[Photo by James Ransom/Food52]