Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad! This creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy salad is a staple at Hawaiian gatherings and potlucks.  

Yields: 8-10 servings Prep time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time) Cook time: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (do not use low-fat)  
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated onion
  • 1/2 cup finely diced celery
  • 1/4 cup finely grated carrot

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until it’s slightly overcooked – almost mushy. This is key to the traditional Hawaiian texture. Drain the macaroni well.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the grated onion, diced celery, and grated carrot into the mayonnaise mixture.
  4. Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the bowl with the sauce and vegetables. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all the macaroni is coated.
  5. Chill: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld and for the salad to develop its characteristic creamy texture. The macaroni will also absorb more of the sauce as it chills.
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. You may also want to add a splash more milk to adjust the consistency if it’s too thick.
  7. Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad chilled as a side dish.

Tips and Variations:

  • Mayonnaise is Key: Traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad relies on a generous amount of full-fat mayonnaise for its signature creamy texture and flavor.  
  • Overcooking Macaroni: Don’t be afraid to overcook the macaroni slightly. It contributes to the overall texture of the salad.
  • Chilling is Crucial: The chilling time is essential for the salad to come together properly. Don’t skip this step!
  • Vinegar and Sugar: The balance of vinegar and sugar gives the salad its unique tang and slight sweetness. Adjust to your preference.
  • Vegetable Finely Chopped: Finely chop the vegetables so they incorporate well into the salad.
  • Variations: Some people add a bit of shredded cooked ham or tuna to the salad. You can also add other vegetables like green onions.

Enjoy this classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad!

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