General Recipes, Side Dishes ·
Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – Dive into the creamy. Comforting flavors of our Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe. A side dish that embodies the aloha spirit on your plate. Perfect for picnics. BBQs, or any family gathering. This recipe combines the sweetness of grated carrots. And the tangy punch of apple cider vinegar. Wrapped in a luscious dressing. That’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Featuring mayonnaise. Elbow macaroni, and a blend of spices. This salad is a journey to the heart of Hawaiian cuisine. Making it a must-try. For anyone craving a taste of the islands.
this Recipe
The first time I whisked together this delight. It was for a casual backyard luau. Watching my husband. And child’s faces light up. With each forkful. I knew it was a hit. This recipe quickly became more than just food. It became a vessel for memories. A staple for our family gatherings. And a reminder of that sunny afternoon. Filled with laughter. And the sweet strumming of ukulele tunes in the background.
What makes this Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad truly stands out?
The Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad stands out. For its authentic taste. That transports you straight to the islands. Its versatility as a delightful side. Or a standalone dish. And the sheer simplicity of its preparation. With every bite infused with the rich. Creamy dressing. And the tangy sweetness of apple cider vinegar. This recipe is a testament. To the joy of Hawaiian cuisine. It’s excellent. For those desiring a flavor of Hawaii’s culinary tradition. Offering a balance of flavors. That can easily adapt to any table or occasion.
What You Need To Make This Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe?
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Half-and-Half: It’s the smooth. Creamy start. That blends everything together perfectly. Like the base coat of a painting. That prepares the canvas. For a masterpiece.
Mayonnaise (Duke’s Preferred): This is the star of the show. Adding a rich, tangy flavor. That makes the salad irresistibly creamy. Think of it as the comfort blanket. That wraps all the other ingredients. In a warm embrace.
Grated Yellow Onion: A tiny bit of this adds a surprising punch. A little zing that wakes up the taste buds. Similar to a pinch of excitement on a calm day.
Dark Brown Sugar: Just a touch of sweetness. To balance the tang. Like adding a dash of sunshine to a cloudy day. Making everything feel just right.
Pepper and Salt: These are the essentials. The ground and the sky. Bringing balance. And enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
Elbow Macaroni: The heart of the salad. It’s all about soaking up the flavors. And giving us that satisfying, comforting chew. Like a hug in food form.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a subtle kick. Like a light breeze. That refreshes and invigorates. Making the macaroni lively and flavorful.
Green Onions, Celery, and Grated Carrots: These add crunch and color. Like sprinkles on a cupcake. Making every bite interesting and vibrant.
Steps To Make Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad:
Step 1: Grab a bowl. And gently whisk the half-and-half. Mayonnaise, onion, sugar, salt, and pepper together. Until you’ve got a smooth. Tempting mixture. Pop it in the fridge to chill. While you tend to the macaroni.
Step 2: Cook those elbow noodles a tad longer than the package suggests. We’re aiming for extra soft. To soak up all that dressing goodness. After draining. Toss them back into the pot. And shower them with the apple cider vinegar. Stirring until each piece gleefully soaks it up. Let it sit covered. Taking in those flavors. For about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Now, stir in half of that chilled dressing. Cover again. And give it another 20-minute rest. This is where the magic happens. Finally, fold in the green onions, celery, and carrots. Adding the rest of the dressing. And adjust the seasoning as you see fit.
Step 4: Let the salad come to room temperature. Then tuck it into the fridge covered with plastic wrap. For at least 2 hours. This step is crucial. For all those flavors to become best friends.
Tip:
One pro tip. For elevating your Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. Is to let the cooked macaroni cool down. With the apple cider vinegar. Before adding the dressing. This step not only enhances the pasta’s ability to absorb the flavors. But also adds a subtle tang. That balances the creaminess of the dressing. It’s a simple trick. But it makes a world of difference in achieving. That perfect harmony of flavors. Characteristic of a truly authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While elbow macaroni is traditional. Feel free to use any small pasta shape. Just ensure. It’s cooked to a very soft texture.
How long can I store the macaroni salad?
Properly stored in the fridge. The salad can last up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir. Before serving.
Can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to add diced bell peppers. Or swap the carrots for another favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility.
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Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe
- Author: Audrey
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 people 1x
Description
Imagine scooping. Into a bowl of Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. Where each forkful. Carries you away. To a sunny island breeze. This isn’t just any macaroni salad. It’s a harmonious blend of soft. Plump elbow macaroni. Enrobed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Punctuated by the crunch of fresh celery. The sweetness of grated carrots. And the subtle bite of green onions. It’s a dish that voices of assemblages. Of shared laughter under open skies. And of moments paused. To savor the simple, joyful flavors of life. With every bite. This salad offers not just a taste. But a feeling. A warm embrace. A reminder. Of the heartwarming power of good food. Made with love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dressing:
2 c half-and-half
2 c mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred)
1.5 tbsp grated yellow onion
1 tbsp dark brown sugar
2 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt
For the Macaroni:
1 lb elbow macaroni
¼ c apple cider vinegar
5 green onions, white and green parts sliced thin
2 large celery ribs, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
1 c grated carrots
Instructions
Dressing Prep: In a bowl. Mix 2 cups of half-and-half, 2 cups of mayonnaise, 1.5 tablespoons of grated yellow onion, 1 tablespoon of dark brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Until smooth. Refrigerate.
Cook Macaroni: Boil 1 pound of elbow macaroni. Adding 5 extra minutes to the package’s cooking time. For softer pasta. Drain. Return to the pot. And mix with ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar. Let it absorb. And cool for 20 minutes. Covered.
Mix Half the Dressing: Add half of the dressing to the cooled macaroni. Stir. Cover. And let sit for another 20 minutes.
Add Veggies and Rest of Dressing: Stir in 5 sliced green onions, 2 chopped celery ribs, 1 cup of grated carrots, and the remaining dressing. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Chill: Let the salad reach room temperature. Then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Before serving.
Notes
To transform this Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad into a delightful gluten-free version. Swap the traditional elbow macaroni. With your favorite gluten-free pasta. There’s a wonderful variety of gluten-free options available. Including rice, quinoa, and corn-based pastas. That mimic the texture. And taste of regular pasta quite well. When choosing your pasta. Look for shapes that hold dressings well. To ensure each bite is as flavorful. As the original recipe. Remember to check the labels on all your ingredients. Especially the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. To ensure they’re certified gluten-free. This simple switch. Allows everyone to enjoy the creamy. Tangy joy of this beloved side dish. Without worry. Bringing a taste of the islands to all tables. Regardless of dietary restrictions. Embrace the spirit of aloha. In every gluten-free bite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Natasha
My name is Natasha and I am the owner of nodashofgluten.com, a blog dedicated to all kinds of recipes. On my website, you can find classic dishes, vegetarian delights, creative snacks, Gluten-free recipes, and desserts – all proving that cooking isn’t as hard as it seems! With easy-to-follow instructions and tips on how to make your meals even better, I strive to help everyone become master chefs in their own kitchen. Come join me at nodashofgluten.com for some delicious fun!
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