Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

User Reviews

4.9

78 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Additional Time

    1 hr

  • Total Time

    40 mins

  • Servings

    12 servings (1 cup each)

  • Calories

    430 kcal

  • Course

    Salad

  • Cuisine

    American

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

This beloved recipe for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, aka "mac salad," has soft noodles, creamy dressing, and lots of shredded carrots. It's perfect for a plate lunch, a luau, or a barbecue. 

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Ingredients

Servings
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (see note 1)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 scallions thinly sliced (see note 2)
  • 2 carrots peeled and grated
  • 2 celery ribs finely chopped
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Instructions

  1. In a large stockpot, bring 4 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Stir in pasta and cook until very soft, about 15 minutes, stirring often. Drain well, transfer to a large bowl, and stir in vinegar. Cool at least 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together milk, mayonnaise, brown sugar, and salt and pepper to taste (I like 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons pepper). Pour over cooled noodles and stir until evenly coated.
  3. Fold in scallions, carrots, and celery and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. 

Notes

  • Apple cider vinegar: Adding cider vinegar to the cooked noodles to make them more absorbent so they hold the flavors of the dressing better. If you don't love vinegar or feel unsure, omit completely or start with 1 tablespoon. Rice wine vinegar can also be used.
  • Scallions: One white or yellow onion, grated on a box grater, may be substituted for the scallions.
  • Yield: This recipe makes 12 (1-cup) servings.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Make ahead: Make this macaroni salad 1 day in advance. Stir to recombine before serving.
  • Dry: If the pasta salad seems dry, stir in warm water, 1 tablespoon spoon at a time, to loosen.
  • More mix-ins: Some cooks swear by adding green olives, chopped hard-boiled egg, finely chopped boiled potatoes, watercress, pickle relish, frozen peas, or even canned tuna.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1cup Calories 430kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 33g (11%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 30g (46%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 20mg (7%) Sodium 266mg (11%) Potassium 199mg (6%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 1831IU (37%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 65mg (7%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings (1 cup each)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 430 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cup
Calories 430kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 33g 11%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 30g 46%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 266mg 11%
Potassium 199mg 4%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 1831IU 37%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 65mg 7%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.9

78 reviews
Excellent

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