Description
A creamy and comforting Hawaiian Macaroni Salad made with tender macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a rich tangy dressing, perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound macaroni pasta
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
- 3 tablespoons fresh onion, finely minced
- 2 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook until very soft, about 2 to 3 minutes longer than package directions.
- Drain the pasta well and return it to the warm pot.
- While the pasta is still hot, stir in the apple cider vinegar and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the grated carrots, minced onion, chopped celery, and sliced green onions to the dressing mixture.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and gently stir until evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Before serving, stir the salad again and add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the dressing.
Notes
- Traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad uses extra-soft pasta for its signature creamy texture.
- Add diced pineapple for a tropical sweetness.
- Mix in shredded cabbage for additional crunch.
- Substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add cooked diced chicken or tuna to make it a complete meal.
- Stir in peas or corn for extra color and sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Add a little milk before serving if the dressing thickens after chilling.
- Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise dressing may separate when thawed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
