Classic and simple, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the delectable part of the plate lunch in the Hawaiian Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Super easy to make with elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, onion, carrots, and basic spices…. this popular pasta salad is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is a side dish that is perfect for all kinds of occasions and one of our favorite Hawaiian foods of all time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n[feast_advanced_jump_to]\n\n\n
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, also known as Hawaiian Mac Salad is a side dish traditionally served on lunch pate in Hawaii with the bold flavors of BBQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is a very simple salad recipe with only a few ingredients. Macaroni Pasta, sliced carrots, mayonnaise, Onion, vinegar, milk, salt, black pepper powder, and a little sugar<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Easy dishes like this Hawaiian Macaroni salad are exactly what I want for lunch or dinner when the weather starts to warm up. It’s so full of amazing flavor, and it’s such a simple dish to make, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are obsessed with this mac salad in our family!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s the perfect side dish to bring to a potluck, serve at a cookout with friends, or for any gatherings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I love how the rich, tangy sauce coats pasta that contrasts with the crunchy bits of carrots and onion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There aren’t any tropical flavors involved; it’s just a fun, tasty side dish to bring to your next cookout or potluck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might be thinking then how this recipe is a Hawaiin recipe? There is no pineapple or ham added to this recipe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hmmm…. My friend, adding ham or pineapple to something does not make it “Hawaiian Food”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They make this salad with very minimal ingredients and of course without pineapple and ham in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And since there are many different types of mac salad in the world, you can also call this – Hawaii’s mac salad, Hawaii-style mac salad, or even mac salad from Hawaii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why you’ll love this recipe?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It is simple, so creamy, so delicious, and SO addicting!<\/li>
It’s a perfectly spiced and ideal side dish for backyard cookouts, potlucks, or the iconic Hawaiian plate lunch.<\/li>
Incredibly Easy to Make! This recipe only takes 15 minutes from start to finish!<\/li>
Perfect for all age groups.<\/li>
A budget-friendly, crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Ingredients required<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pasta <\/strong>– Elbow-style macaroni is classic for Hawaiian mac salad, but you can also use any other short pasta you like or sub in gluten-free pasta if needed.<\/li>
Vegetable<\/strong> – A few grated carrots and green onion add a little texture & some color. You can use any onions. You can also add celery.<\/li>
Mayonnaise<\/strong> – Do not skimp on this ingredient. I am using vegan mayo as we don’t eat eggs. But you do eat eggs; I would recommend you to use Best Foods or even for the stronger bolder taste of Dukes Mayo is wonderful.<\/li>
Sugar<\/strong> – This recipe uses a little bit of sugar. It helps balance the richness of the mayo dressing and the tang from the vinegar.<\/li>
Vinegar<\/strong> – I have used rice vinegar. Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar can also be used.<\/li>
Milk <\/strong>– I used whole milk. But this could easily be made with cashew milk or almond milk to make it vegan.<\/li>
Spices <\/strong>– We need only salt and black pepper powder.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Step-by-step process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cooking pasta<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cook the elbow macaroni pasta for 1-2 minutes more than the cooking time listed on the package. Drain the elbow macaroni. Set aside and let cool for a few minutes.<\/li>
Tip – You want slightly overcooked macaroni for mac salad. The soft texture is a signature of Hawaii’s mac salad. It also helps the macaroni better absorb all the flavors.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Instant Pot Directions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pour water into Instant Pot Pressure Cooker and add macaroni making sure to spread evenly on the bottom.<\/li>
Close lid and set to Manual\/Pressure Cook on high for 4 minutes with a 10-minute Natural Release (NR) and then Quick Release (QR) the remaining pressure.<\/li>
Rinse pasta under cool water and drain.<\/li>
Take the pasta into a big mixing bowl. Toss with vinegar. Let cool for about 10 minutes.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Make dressing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
While pasta cools, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, salt, black pepper powder, and granulated sugar until smooth.<\/li>
Now add grated carrots, green onions, and mayo dressing and toss to ensure everything is coated.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Chill and serve.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cover it and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Add more milk if necessary, only a splash at a time. Enjoy!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Notes, pro-tips, and quick FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The dressing for this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad had to be thin enough to soak into the pasta,<\/li>
To prevent the vinegar from curdling the milk, always add the vinegar directly over the hot macaroni, stir the mixture, and let it cool.<\/li>
Don’t use Low-fat milk or mayonnaise. It will make the dressing less creamy and too thin.<\/li>
To make this Hawaiian mac salad extra creamy, use half and half instead of milk.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What kind of pasta is in Hawaiian macaroni salad?<\/strong>
Traditional elbow macaroni is the pasta shape used to make this pasta salad. But any pasta will work nicely.<\/p> <\/div>
What do you serve with Hawaiian macaroni salad?<\/strong>
![\"Hawaiian](\"https:\/\/www.cookingcarnival.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Hawaiian-Macaroni-Salad.jpg\")
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