This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish that’s a staple at luaus, barbecues, and potlucks. Packed with tender macaroni, crunchy vegetables, and a rich mayonnaise-based dressing, it’s the perfect complement to grilled meats or as part of a Hawaiian plate lunch.
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or another short pasta)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large carrots , finely shredded
- 1 medium onion , finely diced
- 1 cup frozen peas , thawed
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs , chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Drain well and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more sugar, salt, or vinegar as needed to balance the flavors
- Step 3: Combine the Salad
- Add the cooled macaroni, shredded carrots, diced onion, and thawed peas to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- If using, fold in the chopped hard-boiled eggs for added richness.
Step 4: Chill the Salad
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve cold as a side dish alongside kalua pig, teriyaki chicken, or grilled burgers.
Tips for Success:
- Adjust sweetness: Add more or less sugar depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Add-ins: Customize with diced celery, bell peppers, or shredded cabbage for extra crunch.
- Make ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. Just give it a good stir and add a splash of milk if it seems dry.
- Lighten it up: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 8):
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
- Fat: ~15g
Enjoy this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad as a creamy, comforting side dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Its tropical twist and satisfying texture make it a crowd-pleaser every time! 🍝🍍✨