Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe
User Reviews
4.8
Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe
Description
The Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe blends tender elbow macaroni softened beyond usual cooking times to invite dressing absorption. Its creamy dressing combines whole milk, mayonnaise, grated yellow onion, brown sugar, and basic seasonings. The addition of apple cider vinegar helps add brightness while the mix-in vegetables like celery, carrot, onion, and green onions build subtle crunch and flavor contrast.
This pasta salad is prepared by layering flavors: after cooking and draining, the warm macaroni soaks in vinegar then is combined gradually with the dressing, resting between additions to allow absorption. The final mix with vegetables creates a creamy, tangy, and lightly sweet salad with a soft yet textured bite.
Chill the salad covered to meld flavors fully before serving. It's a classic side ideal for backyard barbecues or island-themed meals where its balance of creamy and fresh components refreshes alongside grilled dishes.
Variations are available but may reduce the traditional flavor profile. The recipe notes suggest optional mix-ins like peas, bacon, ham, pineapple tidbits, and hard-boiled eggs which can alter authenticity but add complexity.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup milk whole
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons yellow onion grated
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Pasta Salad
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 5 green onions white and green parts sliced thin
- 2 celery chopped, large ribs
- 1 cup carrot grated
- 1/4 cup onion grated
Instructions
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove over high heat, then cook the macaroni noodles in it according to package directions. Except add an additional 5 minutes to the cooking time so the pasta will be very soft and plump and can absorb the dressing better.
- Drain the macaroni well in a colander, then return it to the pot and add the apple cider, stirring until the warm pasta absorbs the vinegar. Cover with a lid and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Add half of the dressing to the cooked pasta, stirring to coat, then cover with the lid again for another 20 minutes so the pasta can absorb some of the dressing.
- Add the remaining dressing, green onions, celery, and grated carrot and onion to the pasta and stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed.
- Transfer to a large serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours until completely cool before serving.
Notes
- For authentic flavor, avoid adding optional ingredients like peas, bacon, ham, pineapple tidbits, or hard boiled eggs.
- Cook macaroni longer than usual for softness to maximize dressing absorption.
- Allow resting times between dressing additions to enhance flavor melding.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 508 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 508kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 20g | 118% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 21mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 542mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 221mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 2272IU | 45% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 54mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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