Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

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If you’re looking to add a touch of tropical flavor to your next meal, then look no further than a classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. This delectable dish is known for its creamy texture and unique blend of flavors. Whether you’re planning a backyard picnic or simply want to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

It’s customizable! – This Hawaiian macaroni salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add additional ingredients such as diced ham, pineapple chunks, or shredded coconut for an extra burst of flavor.

It’s versatile! – The creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables make this dish a delightful addition to any table. While it is popular to serve with barbecue, it goes perfectly with all kinds of picnic foods!

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Ingredients

To make pasta salad recipe, you will need the following ingredients (go to the recipe below for exact quantities and instructions):

• macaroni
• shredded carrots
• yellow onion
• apple cider vinegar
• green onions
• mayonnaise: The key to a delicious Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is in the mayonnaise so be sure to use a quality brand like Hellmann’s. Do not substitute with a low-fat version.
• milk
• granulated sugar
• salt
• black pepper

How to Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad 

1. In a large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook macaroni until it is al dente. Al dente pasta means it is softened but still firm.
2. Strain hot water from pasta and rinse well with cold water. Strain all water from pasta.
3. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, shredded carrots and shredded onion then toss with apple cider vinegar until mixed well.
4. Wrap the bowl in food-safe plastic wrap and place into the fridge for 15 minutes.  
5. In a medium bowl, stir together all dressing ingredients. Stir until well mixed.
6. Pour dressing over Hawaiian Macaroni Salad and toss well to mix. All of the salad ingredients should be well coated in dressing.
7. Cover bowl with food-safe plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
8. Stir salad again well right before serving.
9. Sprinkle chopped green onions over top before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an air tight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Recipe Notes

• When shredded, the onion will look really watery and almost like the consistency of applesauce. That’s perfectly normal. Two tablespoons may not seem like a lot but that’s all we need in this recipe. Anything more than two tablespoons of shredded onion is going to be way too overpowering in this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.
• The pasta should be cooked to al dente meaning that the pasta is cooked (softened) but still firm. This helps the pasta to hold its’ shape when tossed with the rest of the ingredients. Pasta that is too soft will break apart when tossed with the other ingredients.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes. This salad should stay refrigerated until ready to eat. With the mayonnaise in this recipe, this isn’t one you want to leave sitting out in the sun.

Serving Suggestions

This cold macaroni dish pairs well with grilled meats such as teriyaki chicken or bbq pork. The creamy and tangy flavors of the macaroni salad complement the savory and smoky flavors of the grilled meats. Additionally, it can also be served with fresh tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya to add a refreshing and sweet element to the meal. 

More Cold Pasta Side Dish Recipes

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• BLT Pasta Salad
• Pizza Pasta Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Author: Emily Pecoraro

If you're looking to add a touch of tropical flavor to your next meal, then look no further than a classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.

4.25 from 12 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chill Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 496 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 16 ounces macaroni
• ▢ 2 ½ cups shredded carrots
• ▢ 2 tablespoons shredded yellow onion
• ▢ 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ▢ 1 tablespoon green onions chopped (for garnish)

For the Dressing:

• ▢ 2 cups mayonnaise
• ▢ ¼ cup milk
• ▢ 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• In a large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook macaroni until it is al dente. Al dente pasta means it is softened but still firm.
• Strain hot water from pasta and rinse well with cold water. Strain all water from pasta.
• In a large bowl, combine macaroni, shredded carrots and shredded onion then toss with apple cider vinegar until mixed well.
• Wrap the bowl in food-safe plastic wrap and place into the fridge for 15 minutes.  
• In a medium bowl, stir together all dressing ingredients. Stir until well mixed.
• Pour dressing over Hawaiian Macaroni Salad and toss well to mix. All of the salad ingredients should be well coated in dressing.
• Cover bowl with food-safe plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
• Stir salad again well right before serving.
• Sprinkle chopped green onions over top before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 496kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 7gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 20gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 370mgPotassium: 229mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5391IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg

The nutrition information is calculated using online nutrition calculators and may not be accurate. It is provided as a general guide only.

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