Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian macaroni salad is an iconic and super popular side dish served across all of Hawaii. It's rich and creamy with a good balance between savory, sweet, and some tang. It's perfect for your next potluck with these easy beef bulgogi meatballs or some jalapeño popper wonton cups!
Ingredients
For the macaroni salad:
- 16 ounces dry elbow pasta
- Salt for salting pasta water
- Ham diced (optional protein)
- Spam diced (optional protein)
- Light canned tuna drained, usually 2 cans (optional protein)
- Hard boiled egg chopped (optional protein)
For the dressing (version 1):
- ½ cup carrot grated
- ½ cup yellow onion finely grated (juice and pulp)
- ⅔ cup sweet relish relish and juice
- 3 cups mayonnaise we used Hellman's brand
- ¾ teaspoon cracked black pepper plus more for garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the dressing (version 2):
- ½ cup carrot grated
- ½ cup yellow onion finely grated (juices and pulp)
- 3 cups mayonnaise we used Hellman's brand
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon cracked black pepper plus more for garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni:Bring a pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Add the elbow pasta and cook until tender, NOT to al-dente, about 12 to 14 minutes. Stir occasionally.*We recommend adding about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water.*
- Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside and let the pasta to cool completely.
- Make the dressing:For either version of the dressing, combine the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and mix until well combined.
- Assemble:Once the macaroni has cooled, add it to the prepared dressing and mix until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours until chilled, or overnight.
- Serve:Before serving, give the macaroni salad a gentle stir and sprinkle a little more cracked black pepper on top if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Please refer to the post above for step by step photo reference, tips, storage, and FAQs!
- Optional proteins - Hawaiian macaroni salad can be made with or without any protein. Both tastes amazing! Some of the most popular protein choices are ham or spam, can tuna, and hard boiled eggs. If using canned tuna, make sure to drain the tuna before adding to the salad!
- Dressing options - We provided 2 dressing options and both tastes great! If you're a relish fan, you'll definitely love version 1. Version two is simple and tastes a bit tangier.
Nutrition
Calories: 319.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 39.4g | Protein: 7.4g | Fat: 14.7g | Saturated Fat: 2.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.6g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 14.8mg | Sodium: 788.8mg | Potassium: 160.6mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 7.5g | Vitamin A: 1096.8IU | Vitamin C: 0.9mg | Calcium: 16.3mg | Iron: 0.8mg
Keywords: barbeque side, easy recipe, pasta salad
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