Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its blend of elbow macaroni, fresh vegetables like shredded carrots, celery, and green onions, and a rich dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar, this dish brings a refreshing balance of flavors. It’s the perfect addition to a summer barbecue, a picnic spread, or even a comforting dinner side. The unique combination of ingredients gives this macaroni salad a texture and taste that makes it stand out from other potato or coleslaw-based sides.

The beauty of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad lies in its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, barbecued chicken, or even a light vegetarian meal. Additionally, it’s easy to customize — you can add pineapple for a tropical twist or incorporate protein like chicken or ham to turn it into a complete dish. Whether you’re making it for a large group or just for yourself, this macaroni salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a recipe that gets even better as it sits, with the flavors melding together in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Tangy Flavor: The combination of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar creates a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors that make each bite irresistible.
2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is a quick and easy side dish that anyone can whip up.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, picnic, or family dinner, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad complements nearly every meal.
4. Versatile: You can easily add or swap ingredients based on your preferences, such as adding pineapple for extra sweetness or incorporating ham or chicken for protein.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: The salad actually improves in flavor as it sits, so it’s a great dish to prepare ahead of time for gatherings.

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Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/3 cup chopped green onion (plus more for serving)
• 1/4 cup grated yellow onion

Variations

While the classic version of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is delicious on its own, you can easily personalize it to your liking. Here are some variations you can try:

1. Tropical Twist: Add pineapple chunks or pineapple juice to bring a burst of tropical sweetness to your salad.
2. Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, ham, or even shrimp for a more substantial salad.
3. Spicy Kick: Add some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to introduce some heat into the salad.
4. Vegan Option: Swap the mayonnaise for a vegan alternative and use plant-based milk to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
5. Cheese Lovers: Stir in some grated cheddar cheese for added richness and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by boiling the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, whole milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Shred the carrot, chop the celery, green onions, and grated yellow onion. Add all the vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Dressing

Once the macaroni has cooled, add it to the bowl with the dressing and vegetables. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Refrigerate

Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When ready to serve, give the salad a final stir and garnish with extra chopped green onions for freshness. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure the pasta is cool: Cooling the macaroni before mixing it with the dressing will help prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.
• Use full-fat mayo: For the creamiest texture, stick with full-fat mayonnaise.
• Add more flavor: For a stronger flavor, let the salad sit overnight in the refrigerator to allow the ingredients to meld together.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you like your macaroni salad a bit sweeter, feel free to add a little more sugar to the dressing.

How to Serve

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is best served chilled, making it a great make-ahead dish for gatherings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, barbecued chicken, burgers, or even as a side to a simple vegetarian meal. The creamy texture and balanced flavors complement almost any main dish, whether it’s for a casual dinner or a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hawaiian Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, so it’s even better the next day!

Freezing

This recipe is not recommended for freezing as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled, so there is no need to reheat it. Just pull it from the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta like rotini or shell pasta if elbow macaroni is not available.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the best flavor.

3. Can I use light mayonnaise?

While light mayonnaise can be used, full-fat mayo will give the salad a richer and creamier texture.

4. How can I make this salad spicier?

To add some heat, include finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing.

5. Can I make this vegan?

Yes, you can use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

6. Can I add fruit to the salad?

Yes, adding pineapple or mango can enhance the tropical flavor of the dish.

7. How long should I chill the salad before serving?

For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving. Overnight chilling is even better.

8. Can I add protein to the salad?

Yes, you can add grilled chicken, ham, or shrimp to make the salad a complete meal.

9. How do I adjust the sweetness of the salad?

If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add more sugar to the dressing or even mix in some honey.

10. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Fresh vegetables are preferred for the best flavor and texture, but frozen vegetables can be used in a pinch. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before using.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a simple yet delicious dish that brings a refreshing twist to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it with grilled meats, barbecued chicken, or as a standalone dish, its creamy and tangy flavor will make it a hit at your next gathering. The recipe is easy to customize, and it can be made ahead of time for convenience. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s sure to be a favorite at every meal.

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