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Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe

This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, comforting, authentic side dish from the islands that's perfect for summer cookouts, barbecues, and luaus (obviously). We're talking local Hawaiian plate-lunch style classic macaroni salad here, and it's delicious!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Cooling Time
2 hrs 40 mins
Total Time
3 hrs 5 mins
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 508 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dressing
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 2 Tablespoons grated yellow onion
  • 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 large celery ribs chopped
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1/4 cup grated onion

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Transfer to a large serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours until completely cool before serving.

Notes

  • These HIGHLY optional mix-ins are sometimes seen in Hawaiian macaroni salad, but they definitely decrease the authenticity of the dish: 1 cup frozen peas, 1 cup crumbled bacon, 1 cup cubed ham, 1 small, drained can pineapple tidbits, 3-4 chopped hard boiled eggs.

Nutrition Information

Calories 508kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 40g (13%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 35g (54%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 20g Monounsaturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 21mg (7%) Sodium 542mg (23%) Potassium 221mg (6%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 2272IU (45%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 54mg (5%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 508

% 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.