Hawaiian-style macaroni salad is an iconic Hawaiian recipe. This creamy Hawaiian side dish is the sidekick on every plate lunch in Hawaii. If you’ve ever been you know what I’m talking about.
Have you ever wondered why is Hawaiian mac salad is so good?
I’m going to give you all the secrets you’ll need to make the authentic version of this plate lunch side dish.
If you’ve ever visited Hawaii and had plate lunch you’ve probably had a scoop or two of mac salad. It’s usually served with a side of rice.
Who doesn’t need extra carbs with your carbs?
Either way, once you’ve tasted it it’s hard to imagine a trip to Hawaii without it.
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Table of Contents
What Makes Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Different?
Even in Hawaii you can find different versions of mac salad.
Sometimes there is tuna or even potato mac salad. These versions are fine; but, they aren’t what I dream of when I remember getting plate lunch when I was living in Hawaii.
Authentic Hawaiian Mac Salad only had a few ingredients: macaroni, mayo, onions, and carrots, and green onions. (plus a few secret ingredients)
Simple enough, right? Getting the flavor is all in the technique. Don’t worry I am going to show you how!
There are only a few simple ingredients in the macaroni salad recipe. But, it’s all in how you but those ingredients together that makes all the difference.
If you live near an L&L Barbecue, their mac salad is pretty spot on! It’s not quite as good as this recipe, but for fast food it’ll do.
Ingredients For making Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
- Elbow Macaroni: The same kind that you use for classic macaroni and cheese.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: One of the techniques to get flavor into this macaroni salad is to add the ACV to the macaroni right after you drain it, while it’s still hot. I use this technique on traditional macaroni salad, pasta salads, and potato salad.
- Grated Onion: Grating the onion is an absolute must. You’ll want to collect all of the onion juice too and add that to the macaroni.
- Salt and pepper: Mac salad has a lot of black pepper in it. Make sure it is finely ground black pepper. And use enough salt.
- Whole Milk and Mayo: The creamy dressing on mac salad is made with whole milk and sweetened mayo. I use Best Foods mayo and add a little brown sugar.
- Veggies: Finely shredded carrots, finely diced celery, and sliced green onions or chives.
How to make Mac Salad
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing and set aside.
- Boil the Macaroni: Bring salted water to a boil, add the macaroni and cook according to directions. You want the macaroni on the slightly overdone side. Drain and add to a bowl.
- Add the Seasoning: Immediately add the vinegar, grated onion, carrots, and celery to the macaroni, while it is still hot. Then toss.
- Add the Dressing: Add about half of the dressing, toss well. Then let the macaroni cool for about 10 minutes. Then add the remainder of the dressing.
- Chill: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours. Top with green onions before serving.
Recipe Variations
Hawaiian Potato Macaroni Salad
More Hawaiian Recipes: So Ono!
If you’re hungry for more Hawaiian Recipes check out a few of our faves. Pineapple Sweet Rolls, or Pineapple Salsa are both to sweet not to try.
Furikake Chicken with a side or Mac Salad and some Spam Fried Rice is so ono!
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Please see more list about Hawaiian macaroni salad cooks country
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