Description
This classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad features a creamy, tangy dressing combined with tender elbow pasta and fresh vegetables like grated onion, shredded carrots, and chopped celery. Perfect as a side dish for Hawaiian plate lunches or any picnic, this recipe delivers a rich and refreshing flavor that improves with chilling.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. elbow pasta
- 1 medium onion, grated (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- Kosher salt (to season pasta water and dressing, approximately 1/2 tsp. plus for cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and generously season with kosher salt. Add elbow pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is very al dente—about 2 minutes longer than the package instructions recommend. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing and Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the cooked pasta, grated onion, shredded carrots, and finely chopped celery using a rubber spatula to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, let the macaroni salad stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to enhance the texture and taste.
Notes
- For best flavor, prepare the salad a day in advance.
- You can substitute apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar for a milder tang.
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference to balance acidity.
- This salad can be customized by adding diced pineapple for a sweeter twist.
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta; very al dente texture helps it hold up better in the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling/Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Keywords: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, macaroni salad recipe, creamy pasta salad, Hawaiian side dish, picnic salad
