When tasked with bringing a dish to a cookout or party (like, say, for Labor Day), there are a couple classics that probably pop into your mind — namely, pasta salad and coleslaw. If having to choose between these two sides causes you anxiety, don't stress: You can combine the two for the ultimate potluck win.

Depending on how much time you have, you can either the follow the recipe here for a homemade dressing or buy some at the grocery store. A mixture of mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh lemon juice, the dressing is creamy yet light, and slightly sweet yet tangy. Once you have your dressing you just need to toss it with some cooked elbow macaroni, cucumber, green bell pepper, celery, red onion, and a package of coleslaw mix.

The macaroni salad benefits from an hour stint in the fridge, but it's best eaten the day you make it — so be sure to time things accordingly before you head out for your Labor Day plans. That chill time lets the sharp edges of veggies mellow out a bit, while letting the pasta soak up all the flavor from the dressing.

Show up with a big bowl of this and you're sure to be the hero of the BBQ!