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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

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3.8 from 8 reviews

This creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad combines tender macaroni pasta with a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing, enhanced by a mixture of mayonnaise, milk, and a touch of sugar. Packed with fresh veggies like sweet onions, celery, shredded carrots, pineapple bits, peas, and savory add-ins like hard boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, and cubed ham, it’s a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or island-inspired meals.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb. uncooked macaroni pasta

Dressing

  • 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 1/2 cups Best Foods mayonnaise (divided)
  • 1 cup milk (2% recommended, divided)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper

Add-ins

  • Thinly sliced sweet onions (to taste)
  • Diced celery (to taste)
  • Finely shredded carrots (to taste)
  • Chopped pineapple bits (to taste)
  • Peas (to taste)
  • Hard boiled eggs (chopped, to taste)
  • Crumbled bacon (to taste)
  • Cubed ham (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and place the hot pasta into a large bowl. Sprinkle the 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar over the pasta and stir thoroughly to coat. Allow the pasta to absorb the vinegar and cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare Dressing and Combine: While the pasta cools, whisk together 2 cups of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of milk, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until smooth. Fold this dressing mixture into the cooled pasta, stirring gently to coat all of the macaroni evenly. Let this mixture cool completely.
  3. Add Remaining Dressing and Mix Add-ins: Next, add the remaining 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to the salad. Incorporate your choice of add-ins such as thinly sliced sweet onions, diced celery, finely shredded carrots, chopped pineapple bits, peas, chopped hard boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, and cubed ham. Stir all ingredients carefully to combine and coat with dressing.
  4. Chill and Serve: Cover the macaroni salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, stir the salad once more and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled, enjoying the creamy texture with a balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Notes

  • For best results, use 2% milk to achieve the perfect creaminess.
  • You can omit bacon and ham for a vegetarian version.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
  • Allowing the salad to chill overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
  • Use freshly cooked pasta for the best consistency; avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/hawaiian-macaroni-salad-recipe/