Name: Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 carrots, shredded; ¼ cup shredded onion (optional); 2 ½ cups Mayonnaise (Best Foods or Hellman’s mayonnaise, no substitutes!); ¼ cup milk; 2 teaspoons sugar; Kosher salt, to taste; Ground black pepper, to taste

Description

Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, lightly tangy side dish that features tender elbow macaroni combined with shredded carrots, optional onions, and a rich mayonnaise dressing. This traditional recipe is a staple in Hawaiian plate lunches, delivering a perfect balance of flavors and textures with every bite.

Ingredients

Macaroni Salad Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 carrots, shredded
¼ cup shredded onion (optional)
2 ½ cups Mayonnaise (Best Foods or Hellman’s mayonnaise, no substitutes!)
¼ cup milk
2 teaspoons sugar
Kosher salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool. Drain well again and transfer to a large bowl.
Add Vinegar and Vegetables: Sprinkle the apple cider vinegar over the cooled macaroni. Add the shredded carrots and shredded onion if using. Toss everything together gently until well combined. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to chill and let the flavors meld.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Salad: Fold the mayonnaise dressing into the macaroni mixture until all noodles are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste, mixing gently.
Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Final Stir and Adjust: Before serving, gently stir the salad. If needed, add up to 1-2 tablespoons of milk to loosen the texture slightly, ensuring a creamy consistency.

Notes

Use only Best Foods or Hellman’s mayonnaise for authentic flavor.
Shredded onions are optional, but add a slight sharpness to the salad.
Do not skip the chilling steps; the salad tastes best when well chilled.
Adjust seasoning at the end according to your taste preferences.
This salad can be prepared a day ahead and tastes better the next day.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Hawaiian