Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons grated yellow onion
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 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
Directions
- 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 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.
Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving the creamy, comforting taste of a genuine Hawaiian Mac Salad, just like you'd find at a local plate lunch spot? This recipe brings that authentic island flavor right to your kitchen, perfect for your next summer gathering or luau.
This Hawaiian Mac Salad recipe truly captures that classic plate-lunch style flavor that's beloved across the islands. The secret lies in the nuanced dressing, which combines rich mayonnaise with a subtle sweetness from brown sugar and a bright tang from apple cider vinegar. Plus, the inclusion of grated yellow onion ensures a deeply savory, aromatic foundation without any overpowering raw onion chunks, making it a uniquely balanced and irresistible side dish.
Prepare for a wonderfully creamy and comforting macaroni salad, bursting with that signature Hawaiian flavor. The classic elbow macaroni provides a satisfying chew, perfectly coated in a rich, velvety dressing. You'll find bright, fresh notes from the sliced green onions and chopped celery, offering a pleasant textural contrast to the smooth creaminess. This dish delivers a unique balance of savory, subtly sweet, and tangy, thanks to the harmonious blend of mayonnaise, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. It's designed to be a hearty, satisfying accompaniment to any summer meal, a true taste of the islands that's both familiar and distinctly Hawaiian.
While this recipe delivers the classic flavors of authentic Hawaiian Mac Salad, you have a few ways to tailor it to your palate. You can easily adjust the amount of grated carrots to add more natural sweetness and color, or increase the chopped celery for an extra crunch. For those who love a stronger onion presence, you could slightly increase the amount of grated yellow onion used in the dressing. This robust base welcomes minor adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune it while preserving its delicious island essence.
This Hawaiian Mac Salad is the quintessential side dish for any summer cookout, barbecue, or festive luau. Serve it chilled alongside grilled meats or kalua pig for a complete island-inspired feast.