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Pasta and Earthy Salad Recipes

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

4 - 6 servings
Vegetarian Diet, American Cold Cuisine

This authentic recipe unlocks the secret to an ultra-creamy, tangy, and sweet Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, the perfect side dish for your next plate lunch or BBQ.

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themaverickflavor themaverickflavor Rising Star
June 19, 2025
Detail shot of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, partially on the spoon and partially under in the bowl
  • 20 min.
  • 4 h. 30 min.
  • 2/5
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Ingredients:

For the Salad

For the Creamy Dressing

Tools:

Directions:

1. Cook the Macaroni:

Let’s start the preparation of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad by cooking the pasta.

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  • Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for 2-3 minutes longer than the package directions for al dente.

Important:
You want the pasta to be very soft, plump, and tender. This is the most crucial step for achieving the authentic texture, as it allows the pasta to absorb the dressing.

2. Infuse with Vinegar:

  • Drain the macaroni well in a colander, but do not rinse it.
  • Immediately return the hot pasta to the pot.
  • Pour the apple cider vinegar over the hot macaroni and stir gently until the vinegar is fully absorbed.

3. Add the Grated Veggies:

  • Add the finely grated carrot and grated onion to the vinegar-infused pasta. Stir to combine.
  • Let the mixture cool down at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Note:
This step allows the pasta to cool slightly while soaking in the flavors.

4. Prepare the Dressing:

  • While the pasta cools, whisk together mayonnaise, whole milk, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine and Chill:

  • Once the macaroni mixture is no longer hot, add it to the bowl with the creamy dressing.
  • Gently fold everything together with a spatula until the pasta is evenly coated.

Note:
At this stage, the salad will look very loose and have excess dressing. This is normal.

6. The Final Chill of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad:

  • Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is highly recommended.
  • During this time, the soft macaroni will absorb the dressing, the flavors will meld, and the salad will thicken to its signature creamy consistency.

7. Serve Hawaiian Macaroni Salad:

  • Before serving, give the macaroni salad a good stir.
  • You can garnish with the optional sliced green onions.
  • Serve chilled as a classic side for any Hawaiian-style meal.

Notes:

  • Don’t Fear the Mayo: The creaminess is the hallmark of this dish. Using the full amount of mayonnaise is essential. Do not substitute with light mayo or Miracle Whip, as the flavor and texture will be incorrect.
  • Grate the Onion: Do not chop the onion. Grating it on a box grater or microplane releases its juice and allows the flavor to meld seamlessly into the dressing without the harsh bite of raw onion pieces.
  • Patience is Key: The chilling time is not optional. It is a critical step that transforms the salad from a soupy mixture into the thick, creamy side dish you’d find on a classic Hawaiian plate lunch.
  • Popular Add-ins: While the recipe above is the classic base, some popular variations include adding 1-2 finely diced hard-boiled eggs or a can of drained tuna for a heartier salad.
About the Author:
themaverickflavorRising Star
# 9
  • Published Recipes: 9
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  • Location: USA, Hawaii
  • Member since: 2025-05-07
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