By Alexa Weibel, The New York Times It may not be a salad in the traditional sense of the word, but that doesn’t stop macaroni salad from being a bright, acidic and herbaceous partner to virtually anything off the grill. Many would argue that no cookout is complete without it. Yes, it’s unapologetically retro, a supporting player at American barbecues for decades, but its salty and sweet, tangy and textural appeal is timeless. Related Articles Let vegetables be the star of your Memorial Day Easy recipes from Frasca, Colorado’s James Beard nominee for outstanding restaurant How to preserve and store your hearty greens How to make the most of potatoes One tomato sauce, four recipes for weeknight dinners Beyond its nostalgic charm, macaroni salad’s staying power lies in convenience: Its steps are as easy as its ingredient list is approachable, relying on pantry staples and lending itself to adaptation.