What makes Hawaiian Macaroni Salad uniquely creamy?

The signature creaminess of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad comes from a generous amount of mayonnaise, often combined with a touch of milk and apple cider vinegar. The key is also mixing the dressing with the macaroni while the pasta is still warm, allowing it to absorb the flavors and achieve that desired rich, velvety texture.

Can Hawaiian Macaroni Salad be made in advance?

Absolutely! Hawaiian Macaroni Salad actually benefits from being made ahead of time. Preparing it at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, before serving allows the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What's the secret to cooking the macaroni perfectly for this salad?

For the perfect Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, cook the elbow macaroni just past al dente. This slightly softer texture helps it absorb the creamy dressing better. After draining, a quick rinse with warm water can remove excess starch, ensuring a clean, creamy finish without stickiness.

Creamy Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: Your Essential Luau Side Dish

Name: Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (preferably Best Foods/Hellmann's); 1/4 cup whole milk; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup grated yellow onion (about 1/2 small onion); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional); 1/4 cup finely diced celery (optional)

Description

A creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet macaroni salad, essential for any luau or plate lunch, bringing the taste of Hawaii to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb elbow macaroni
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (preferably Best Foods/Hellmann's)
1/4 cup whole milk
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup grated yellow onion (about 1/2 small onion)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
1/4 cup finely diced celery (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until just past al dente. Drain well and rinse briefly with warm water to remove excess starch, then drain again thoroughly. While still warm, transfer the macaroni to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, grated onion, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the warm macaroni. Stir gently until all the macaroni is evenly coated. The warm pasta will absorb the flavors better.
Step 4: If desired, stir in the shredded carrots and finely diced celery for added color and a slight crunch.
Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. Stir before serving.

Notes

For best results, make this salad ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. If the salad seems too thick after chilling, stir in an additional tablespoon or two of milk or mayonnaise to restore its creamy consistency.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-Bake, Chilling
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg