Hawaiian macaroni salad is a dish straight from the islands with a sweet, tangy flavor everyone loves so much we brought it to the states.
Bringing different cultures to your next Bbq or potluck is a great idea.
Other countries always rank higher than us on the best cuisine. But, we do have a few things up our sleeves in America.
Hawaiian macaroni salad is a great mix of creamy and tangy with a touch of sweet in the dressing. The ingredients are grated and spread throughout each bite you take.
This macaroni salad will be a great option for the summer or simply all year.
To add, it can be ready in 30 minutes. Let me show you how!
How To Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Do you have these ingredients already
- Macaroni (elbows)
- Mayonnaise
- Carrot
- Yellow onion (very important, see below)
- Milk
- Sugar
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Apple cider vinegar
Avoid these mistakes, helpful tips before starting
- Do not use white onion, white onion will bring a very bitter flavor to the recipe. Also do not use more than 1/4 thinking it’s too little. The best onions to use will be yellow or sweet with a bit more sugar in them.
- This is a great recipe to make ahead. As the flavors sit they come together even more. Making this the night or day before serving is a great idea.
- Make salad while macaroni noodles are still warm. The noodles will absorb the flavors of the dressing.
Making the macaroni salad
- First, prepare the noodles according to the directions on the box.
- Now, while the noodles are boiling grate the carrots and the onion.
- In a bowl, mix together the mayo, grated carrots and onion, milk, sugar and the apple cider vinegar.
- When the macaroni is finished boiling run some cold water over it then drain and toss in a large bowl.
- Then, add the dressing with all the other ingredients.
- Lastly, add in salt and pepper to taste. Serve when finished or later.
Do you know what to do with leftovers
As mentioned above, this is a great recipe to make ahead. Hawaiian macaroni salad will keep about 4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to make sure it is covered or in a seal container for storing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Hawaiian macaroni salad and how is it different?
Believe it or not but this salad does come from Hawaii. Mentioned above, you can make this recipe in under 30 minutes. But, during hard economic times this recipe is also very cost effective to make. That’s actually how it gained it’s popularity. By being a quick and easy low cost meal.
Unlike traditional salads two things that stand out are the grated ingredients and there is no mustard used in the dressing.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Macaroni salad is the perfect dish to make ahead of time. If you have ever made a dressing you already know it’s always better the next day. Giving this salt time to sit the flavors work perfect together.
What to serve with Hawaiian macaroni salad?
This salad can be served alone for the reasons mentioned above. But, a protein source is a great option. Here are some great ones below:
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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup macaroni, dry
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/4 medium yellow onion, grated
- 1 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- First, prepare the noodles according to the directions on the box.
- Now, while the noodles are boiling grate the carrots and the onion.
- In a bowl, mix together the mayo, grated carrots and onion, milk, sugar and the apple cider vinegar.
- When the macaroni is finished boiling run some cold water over it then drain and toss in a large bowl.
- Then, add the dressing with all the other ingredients.
- Lastly, add in salt and pepper to taste. Serve when finished or later.