Pasta salad is a general classification of summer salad typified by cooked pasta tossed with dressing, vegetables and sometimes meats and cheeses. These dressings can be either oil and vinegar or vinaigrette dressings or creamy dressings with mayonnaise or dairy. Macaroni salad is a specific type of pasta salad made with macaroni noodles or elbow pasta and usually is tossed with a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise. Pasta salad and macaroni salad are commonly served as a side dish for summer barbecues, cookouts and picnics.