If you want a simple, tasty side dish for your next meal, Hawaiian macaroni salad is a great choice. This salad is creamy, slightly tangy, and easy to make with just a few ingredients like mayonnaise, elbow macaroni, and a touch of vinegar.
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You don’t need to be a cooking expert to whip up this popular Hawaiian favorite. It pairs well with grilled meats, plate lunches, or just on its own when you want something quick and satisfying.
By the end of this recipe, you’ll know how to make a classic Hawaiian macaroni salad that tastes just like you’d get at a local Hawaiian restaurant. It’s a perfect dish to impress your family and friends with simple flavors.
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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably a good quality, creamy kind)
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust for desired creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated carrot (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process. Drain well.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing mixture and stir well to coat all the pasta evenly.
If using, fold in the finely chopped onion and grated carrot for extra flavor and texture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
Give the salad a good stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy your classic Hawaiian macaroni salad as a perfect side dish for any meal!
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Tips for Perfect Creaminess
Use enough mayonnaise and milk; too little will make your salad dry. Mix the dressing well before adding the pasta to avoid clumps.
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Don’t skip rinsing the pasta with cold water. This cools it down and stops extra cooking, keeping the pasta firm.
Chill the salad overnight if you can. This improves flavor and texture better than serving right away. Stir once before serving to keep the creaminess even.
Serving and Customization Ideas
This salad goes well with many dishes and can be stored for later use. You can easily adjust the recipe to match your taste or meal.
Pairing Suggestions
Hawaiian macaroni salad is perfect alongside grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef. It works great with BBQ foods and seafood such as shrimp or fish.
Add a side of fresh fruit like pineapple or mango for a sweet contrast. You can also serve it with rice or rolls to make the meal more filling.
If you want to keep things simple, serve the salad on its own as a light side dish. It’s a tasty balance with salty and savory flavors.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can make Hawaiian macaroni salad a day ahead to let the flavors blend. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
The salad keeps well for 2 to 3 days. Stir it before serving to mix the ingredients again.
Avoid freezing the salad because mayonnaise won’t hold up well when thawed. Keep it cold until you’re ready to eat.
Follow my macaroni salad recipes board on Pinterest.