Hawaiian Style Mac Salad (Printable version)

Creamy, tangy macaroni salad with smooth texture and classic Hawaiian flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 2 cups elbow macaroni

→ Dressing

02 - 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
03 - 1/4 cup whole milk
04 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
06 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Vegetables

07 - 1/4 cup finely grated carrot
08 - 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
09 - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
10 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until very soft, about 1-2 minutes longer than package instructions for al dente. Drain well and allow to cool slightly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
03 - While macaroni is still warm, add to the dressing and toss to coat thoroughly.
04 - Stir in grated carrots, chopped celery, onion, and green onions. Mix until evenly combined.
05 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture.
06 - Before serving, check for seasoning and add more mayonnaise or milk if needed for creaminess.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The secret technique of dressing warm pasta creates that signature velvety texture you cant achieve any other way
  • This recipe nails the authentic Hawaiian plate lunch flavor profile without needing hard-to-find ingredients
02 -
  • The warm pasta technique is absolutely essential - cold pasta wont absorb the dressing properly and you'll end up with a completely different result
  • This salad tastes significantly better after sitting overnight - the vinegar mellows and the flavors meld into something cohesive
03 -
  • Grate your own carrots rather than buying pre-grated ones - fresh grated carrots release more moisture and integrate better into the salad
  • If you're meal prepping, hold back about 1/4 cup of the dressing mixture to stir in right before serving - this keeps everything tasting freshly made

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