Description
Creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad brings island flavors straight to your dinner table. Smooth elbow pasta mixed with tangy mayo, crisp vegetables, and a hint of sweetness creates a perfect side dish you’ll crave at every summer gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein:
- 2 cups elbow pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup ham, cubed (optional)
Vegetables:
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- Green onions, roughly chopped (for garnish)
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Boil elbow pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking process and cool quickly.
- Whisk mayonnaise, milk, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until smooth and creamy.
- Fold cooled pasta into dressing, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated with the tangy mixture.
- Incorporate shredded carrots, diced celery, and finely minced onion into the pasta, gently mixing to distribute vegetables evenly.
- If desired, add cubed ham for additional protein and texture.
- Seal container and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste profile.
- Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a vibrant, crisp garnish that adds a subtle sharp note.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Overcook the elbow macaroni slightly for a traditional Hawaiian-style texture that absorbs dressing beautifully.
- Creamy Hack: Let the salad sit overnight to develop deeper, richer flavor as the pasta continues to soak up the mayonnaise mixture.
- Protein Power: Swap ham with grilled chicken, tofu, or skip meat entirely for vegetarian and diverse dietary options.
- Temperature Trick: Always serve chilled to maintain the salad’s creamy consistency and enhance its refreshing taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg