Description
Hawaiian macaroni salad delivers island-style comfort with creamy, tangy goodness. Pasta tossed in a rich mayo dressing brings tropical memories straight to your plate, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated carrots
- 2 large celery ribs, chopped into ¼-inch pieces
- 5 green onions, white and green parts sliced thin
Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) half-and-half
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s)
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) grated yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) dark brown sugar
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Craft a luscious dressing by whisking half-and-half, mayonnaise, grated onion, dark brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until silky smooth. Refrigerate the mixture to let flavors meld.
- Extend the macaroni cooking time by 5 minutes to achieve a supremely tender and plump texture, ensuring maximum dressing absorption. Drain the pasta completely.
- Return the hot macaroni to the pot and drizzle with apple cider vinegar, gently stirring to help the pasta soak up the tangy liquid. Cover and allow to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Pour half the prepared dressing over the macaroni, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly. Cover and let the pasta continue absorbing flavors for another 20 minutes.
- Incorporate remaining dressing, chopped green onions, crisp celery, and sweet carrots. Mix gently to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Let the salad cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and meld together.
- Transfer the macaroni salad to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. This chilling time enhances the depth and richness of the dish, creating a truly authentic Hawaiian-style side.
Notes
- Overcooking pasta is key for authentic Hawaiian-style macaroni salad, ensuring it’s extra soft and plump to soak up all the creamy dressing.
- Letting the pasta rest with vinegar and dressing at room temperature helps develop deeper, richer flavors throughout the salad.
- Grated onion in the dressing adds a subtle, sharp bite that elevates the entire dish without overwhelming other ingredients.
- Patience is crucial – allow the salad to cool completely and chill for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld and intensify.
- Dark brown sugar in the dressing provides a gentle sweetness that balances the tangy vinegar and creamy mayonnaise.
- Choose fresh, crisp vegetables like green onions, celery, and carrots to add texture and a vibrant crunch to the classic salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg