This Easy Hawaiian Mac Salad is creamy and packed with yummy flavors! With tender macaroni, crisp carrots, and sweet peas, it’s a fun side dish for any meal.
Whenever I make this, it reminds me of sunny beach days! It’s perfect for BBQs or picnics. Plus, leftovers are a tasty treat in the fridge. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow macaroni: This classic pasta is perfect for mac salad due to its small shape. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use any small pasta like shells, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta for a different texture.
Mayonnaise: Kewpie mayo brings a unique flavor, but regular mayonnaise works well too. You can also use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo for a lighter version. Both will change the taste slightly, but they work nicely.
Carrot and celery: These veggies add crunch and freshness. If you want to switch it up, try adding finely chopped bell peppers or sweet corn. They add a colorful twist and different textures!
Apple cider vinegar: This adds a tangy flavor to balance the creaminess. If you don’t have it, lemon juice is a great substitute, giving a fresh zing without losing that essential acidity.
How Do You Cook the Macaroni Perfectly?
Cooking the macaroni right is key to a great mac salad. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy, while undercooked pasta may be too hard. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a large pot of well-salted boiling water; this helps flavor the pasta.
- Add pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes, until al dente.
- Once done, drain it, but make sure to rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps cool it quickly.
- Drain well to ensure your salad doesn’t get watery from excess moisture.
Perfectly cooked macaroni keeps that delightful bite, making your salad more enjoyable! Enjoy making your Hawaiian Mac Salad! 🌈
Easy Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe Like Food Trucks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups mayonnaise (preferably a Japanese-style Kewpie mayo for authenticity)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup finely grated carrot
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Hawaiian Mac Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs at least 1 to 2 hours in the fridge to chill. It’s a quick and easy dish to whip up, perfect for barbecues or gatherings with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 7-9 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Make sure to drain it well so it doesn’t get soggy.
2. Mixing Together the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, grab your whisk and mix together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is where all the flavor comes from!
3. Combining Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked macaroni! Toss the cooled macaroni into the bowl with the dressing. Add the finely grated carrot and chopped celery too. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is well coated and the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
4. Chilling the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly, making it refreshing when served!
5. Final Touches:
When you’re ready to serve, give the mac salad a light stir and taste it! Adjust the seasoning if needed—add a pinch more salt or pepper according to your preference. Now it’s ready to be served!
6. Serving:
Serve your Hawaiian Mac Salad chilled as a delicious side dish! Just like at the food trucks, this creamy, slightly sweet pasta salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings. Enjoy every bite!
This dish captures the sunny vibes and tastes of Hawaii, making it a beloved addition to any meal. 🌈
FAQ for Easy Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any small pasta shape like shell, rotini, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions for best results!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Mac Salad?
Leftover Hawaiian Mac Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to refresh the texture!
What if I Don’t Have Kewpie Mayo?
No worries! If you don’t have Japanese-style Kewpie mayo, regular mayonnaise works perfectly too. For a lighter option, you can also substitute with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more veggies like chopped bell peppers, green onions, or even peas for added color and crunch. Just remember to finely chop them so they mix well with the pasta.
