Okay, let’s talk comfort food. Forget fancy, forget fussy. We’re diving headfirst into a bowl of creamy, tangy, totally addictive macaroni salad. It’s the kind of dish that shows up at every potluck, every family gathering, and every summer BBQ in the islands. I’d almost compare it to potato salad, but honestly, it’s in a league of its own. What’s the best part about this stuff? It’s so easy to make! I’m telling you, this **Hawaiian Macaroni Salad** will become a regular in your rotation.
What is Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?
What is a Hawaiian Macaroni Salad? It’s essentially elbow macaroni coated in a super rich mayonnaise-based dressing. What is the best way to cook macaroni just past al dente – almost mushy – which allows it to soak up all that delicious dressing. It’s a staple side dish in Hawaiian cuisine, often served alongside kalua pig, teriyaki chicken, or any kind of grilled meat. It’s simple, humble, and undeniably delicious. It’s basically the definition of ono (that’s Hawaiian for yummy!).
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best reasons to love Hawaiian Macaroni Salad? What is that creamy, tangy, slightly sweet dressing? It’s the perfect balance of richness and acidity. What I love about this recipe is how ridiculously easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s almost embarrassing how little effort it takes to create something so delicious. What are the ingredients to make macaroni? We’re talking about pantry staples like macaroni, mayonnaise, and vinegar. You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand! What are some of the best salads to make for a weeknight dinner? What is your favorite easy Salad Recipe? My kids ask for it all the time, and honestly, I’m always happy to make it. I tested a version with a little bit of Greek yogurt mixed into the mayo once and it added a great tang!
How do I make a Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad? While the macaroni is cooking, you’ll whisk together a dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and a few other key ingredients. Once the macaroni is cooked, you’ll drain it, rinse it with cold water, and then toss it with the dressing. Then, the most important step: toss it with the dressing. Is it safe to chill food in the fridge for at least 2 hours? The longer it sits, the better it tastes. This method is particularly special because of that chilling time, transforming something so basic into something truly special.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
* 1 pound elbow macaroni – I usually go for the classic, but feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes.
* Water for boiling
* Salt for boiling
For the Dressing:
* 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise – Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. I always use Hellman’s.
* 1/4 cup white vinegar – Adds that essential tang.
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness.
* 1 tablespoon grated onion – This is my secret ingredient!
* 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper – Freshly ground is always best.
* 1/4 cup milk – Adds creaminess. You can use regular milk or even almond milk for a slightly different flavor.
What is the step-by-
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
What is the best way to cook elbow macaroni in salted water? You want the macaroni to be soft, almost mushy. This is key to getting that authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad texture. It should be soft enough to soak up the dressing!
Step 2: Drain and Rinse
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it immediately and rinse it thoroughly with cold water. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, which will prevent the salad from becoming too sticky. Make sure you get all the starch off! I usually rinse it for a minute or two, until the water runs clear.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, grated onion, salt, pepper, and milk until smooth and creamy. Make sure everything is fully incorporated. What do you like about it?
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Add the drained and rinsed macaroni to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently until the macaroni is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial! It allows the flavors to meld together and the macaroni to absorb the dressing. I always find that the salad tastes even better the next day!
Step 5: Serve
Before serving, give the salad a good stir. The macaroni will have absorbed some of the dressing, so you may need to add a splash more milk to loosen it up. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve cold and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some great side dishes to serve with Macaroni Salad?
What is a Hawaiian plate lunch?What are some of the best Hawaiian comfort food recipes?
For a BBQ:What is a great BBQ spread?
For a Potluck:Is it a hit at potlucks?
What is a quick and easy meal? Serve it as a side dish with sandwiches or wraps for a simple and satisfying meal.
My family loves it with grilled Fish Tacos. The creamy salad is a perfect counterpoint to the spicy fish! I’ve seen people add things like shredded carrots or peas, but I prefer to keep it classic.
How do you make a delicious Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?
Don’t undercook the Macaroni: Why?What is the most important tip for macaroni dressing?
Grate the Onion:Is it better to grate onion instead of chopping it?
Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling time! It allows the flavors to meld together and the macaroni to absorb the dressing. The longer it chills, the better it tastes.
Adjust the Sweetness: Adjust the Sweetness: Adjust If you prefer a less sweet salad, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. I’ve also experimented with using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, which adds a nice depth of flavor.
Don’t be afraid to experiment.While the classic recipe is delicious, feel free to experiment with different variations. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat or a splash of lemon juice for extra tang.
Make it Ahead:What is the best way to make a salad ahead of time?
I also find that letting the macaroni cool before adding the dressing helps it absorb even more flavor. It’s a little trick I picked up from my grandma!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Room Temperature:I wouldn’t recommend leaving macaroni salad at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. Mayonnaise-based salads can spoil quickly, especially in warm weather.
Refrigerator Storage: What is theCan you store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days?
How do I use a Free I don’t recommend freezing Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery when thawed, resulting in a less-than-desirable texture.
What is Glaze Timing? Since there isn’t a glaze, just make sure the dressing is mixed in well before refrigerating!
I always make sure to label my containers with the date so I know exactly how long it’s been in the fridge. It’s a simple habit that really helps prevent food waste.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What is my go-to recipe for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad? What are some good side dishes to serve at a BBQ? If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Hawaiian-inspired dishes, like kalua pig or teriyaki chicken. And if you try this recipe at home, please let me know how it turns out! What do you think of my recipe?
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni cooked al dente
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over macaroni mixture and toss to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
