Description
This classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy side dish featuring tender elbow pasta mixed with crunchy vegetables in a flavorful mayonnaise-based dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or serving alongside Hawaiian plate lunches.
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 Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, generously seasoning it with kosher salt. Add the elbow pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until very al dente—about 2 minutes more than the package instructions indicate. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing and Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the cooked pasta, grated onion, shredded carrots, and finely chopped celery until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the salad from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Cooking the pasta slightly beyond al dente ensures the salad remains creamy and soft when chilled.
- Grating the onion allows it to blend smoothly without large chunks.
- Feel free to adjust the vinegar and sugar to your taste for more tang or sweetness.
- This salad can be made a day ahead for convenience and better flavor development.
- Keep refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness and food safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Keywords: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, pasta salad, creamy macaroni salad, classic macaroni salad, picnic salad
