Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, sweet, and tangy side dish that’s a staple at many Hawaiian barbecues and picnics. It’s made with tender macaroni, a rich dressing, and a combination of sweet and savory flavors, including pineapple and mayonnaise. It’s the perfect balance of flavors to complement grilled meats or any summer meal.
Here’s how you can make a traditional Hawaiian Macaroni Salad:
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (about 4 cups uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (add more if needed for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed (optional, but adds flavor)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained (or crushed pineapple, drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8 minutes) until the pasta is al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, milk, salt, pepper, and celery seed (if using).
- Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. The dressing should be creamy and tangy, with a slight sweetness from the sugar.
3. Combine the Salad:
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add in the shredded carrots, diced celery, and pineapple chunks (or crushed pineapple).
- Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Chill:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the flavors to meld together and for the salad to chill.
5. Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir. If it looks a bit thick, you can add a little more milk to loosen it up.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch if desired.
Tips:
- Customize: You can add other mix-ins like red bell pepper, peas, or hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor and texture.
- Pineapple: Make sure to drain the pineapple well, especially if using canned pineapple, to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier salad, you can add a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream.
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, making it a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any meal that needs a cool and refreshing touch. Enjoy!