Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

There’s something about a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet Hawaiian Macaroni Salad that makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser! This dish is the ultimate sidekick to any summer BBQ or family picnic. Picture yourself enjoying a plateful of perfectly cooked macaroni, bathed in a luscious, creamy dressing with just the right hint of sweetness and a touch of tang. Whether you’re hosting a backyard luau or looking for an easy meal prep idea, this salad is guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a staple at every get-together!

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad isn’t just a salad—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s the perfect addition to any meal:

Creamy, Dreamy, Delicious:

The combination of mayo, vinegar, and a little sugar creates a creamy, tangy dressing that coats the macaroni just perfectly. Add in a touch of grated carrots and chopped onions for a little crunch, and you’ve got yourself a bowl of pure deliciousness.

A Breeze to Make:

This salad is super easy to whip up, making it the ideal side dish when you’re short on time but still want something tasty. It’s also made with basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it both simple and budget-friendly.

Crowd-Pleaser:

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, BBQ, or even a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s one of those side dishes that everyone will keep coming back to, making it the perfect thing to bring to a get-together.

Customizable:

Feel free to add your personal twist! You can throw in some diced ham, cubed pineapple, or even a handful of peas for extra flavor and texture. It’s as flexible as your imagination!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape for this dish, perfect for soaking up that creamy dressing.
• Carrots: Shredded for a little color and crunch.
• Sweet onion: For just the right amount of sharpness that balances out the richness of the mayo.
• Celery (optional): For a crisp, fresh crunch that adds an extra layer of texture.

For the Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: The base for that rich, creamy texture.
• Apple cider vinegar: To bring in that tangy bite.
• Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity and create that signature sweetness.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The dressing should be sweet and tangy, with a balance of flavors.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, shredded carrots, chopped onions, and any optional ingredients (like celery). Toss to mix the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Pour the dressing over the macaroni and veggie mixture, then stir gently to coat everything evenly. The macaroni should be well-coated, and the dressing should soak into the pasta beautifully.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or even overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together. This also lets the pasta absorb the dressing, making it extra creamy.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy!

Once ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir, and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped green onions for a little color. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 3g
  Cholesterol: 15mg
  Sodium: 330mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 6g
  Protein: 6g
  Vitamin A: 15% DV
  Calcium: 4% DV
  Iron: 4% DV

(Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary based on the exact ingredients and portions used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

As a Side Dish:

This salad is the ultimate sidekick to grilled meats, fried chicken, or BBQ ribs. Pair it with your favorite summer dishes for the ultimate spread.

Bring it to Potlucks:

Whether it’s a family picnic or a potluck with friends, this salad is sure to be a crowd favorite. The creamy dressing and pasta make it a comforting dish that everyone will love.

Add Protein:

For a heartier meal, add some diced ham, grilled chicken, or even a can of tuna to make it a full meal. This salad is versatile enough to take on additional flavors!

Additional Tips

Make Ahead:

This salad is perfect for making ahead! The flavors get even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. If you’re prepping for a party, you can make this dish the night before, saving you time on the big day.

Creaminess Adjustment:

If you prefer your salad extra creamy, feel free to add a little extra mayo. You can also swap some of the mayo for sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.

Customize the Veggies:

If you’re not a fan of onions or carrots, feel free to skip them or replace them with diced celery, peas, or even red bell peppers for a pop of color.

Store Leftovers:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You may need to add a little extra mayo or vinegar to refresh the salad after chilling.

Gluten-Free:

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the regular elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente.

Q2: How can I make this salad dairy-free?
A2: Use a dairy-free mayo alternative and skip any dairy-based ingredients in the dressing.

Q3: Can I add fruit to this salad?
A3: Yes! Some people love to add pineapple for a tropical twist, or even diced apples for extra sweetness and crunch.

Q4: Can I make this salad spicy?
A4: Definitely! A dash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a little jalapeño can give this dish a spicy kick if you’re craving some heat.

Q5: How long will this salad last in the fridge?
A5: It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a bit more mayo before serving.

Q6: Can I use regular vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
A6: Yes, you can use white vinegar or rice vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar. The flavor might differ slightly, but it will still work.

Q7: Can I make this salad a day ahead?
A7: Yes! In fact, this salad tastes even better after it has had time to chill and let the flavors meld together in the fridge.

Q8: Is there a way to make this salad lighter?
A8: You can use light mayo or Greek yogurt to cut down on the calories, and reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing.

Q9: Can I make this salad without onions?
A9: Yes, feel free to omit the onions if you prefer. You can replace them with diced celery or more shredded carrots for crunch.

Q10: What can I serve with this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?
A10: It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, BBQ, fried chicken, or even a nice veggie burger. It’s also a great addition to a summer picnic spread.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet. It’s the ultimate side dish for any occasion, from casual dinners to holiday feasts. Easy to make and easy to love, this salad will be your go-to for summer picnics, potlucks, and BBQs. Grab a spoon and dig in—you’re going to love it!

Print