Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy and simple recipe, which is made with tender elbow macaroni and a rich mayonnaise dressing. It’s an ideal side dish for any cookout or plate lunch, ready in about 1 hour.
Pioneer Woman Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni
- 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/3 cup chopped green onion, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup grated yellow onion
How To Make Pioneer Woman Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until very tender. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until it is completely cool. Set aside to drain well.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Chill: Add the cooled macaroni, shredded carrot, chopped celery, green onion, and grated yellow onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Gently stir the salad again before serving. Garnish with more chopped green onion if desired.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the authentic texture? The key to authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad is to slightly overcook the pasta. This allows it to absorb the creamy dressing, resulting in a softer, more characteristic texture.
- Why rinse the pasta with cold water? Rinsing the pasta immediately after cooking stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly, which is essential for a cold pasta salad. It also washes away excess starch, preventing the pasta from clumping together.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! This salad tastes even better after it has chilled for a few hours, or even overnight. The pasta will continue to soak up the dressing, so you may need to stir in an extra splash of milk or a spoonful of mayonnaise to reach your desired consistency before serving.
- What makes this salad “Hawaiian”? The classic Hawaiian style features a very simple, creamy, mayonnaise-forward dressing without mustard. The inclusion of grated onion and shredded carrot is also traditional.
What To Serve With Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This is the quintessential side dish for a classic Hawaiian plate lunch. It pairs perfectly with:
- Kalua Pork
- Huli Huli Chicken
- Grilled Teriyaki Beef or Chicken
- Garlic Shrimp
- A scoop of white rice
How To Store Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. If it seems a little dry, just stir in a little milk to loosen it up before serving.
Pioneer Woman Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Sugar: 6g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why is my macaroni salad dry?
Pasta is very absorbent and will soak up the dressing as it sits. It’s completely normal for the salad to seem less creamy the next day. Simply stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or mayonnaise to restore its creamy texture.
Can I add other ingredients?
While the classic recipe is simple, you could add small pieces of cooked ham or finely diced pineapple for a variation. However, for an authentic Hawaiian mac salad, sticking to the core ingredients is best.
Do I have to use elbow macaroni?
Elbow macaroni is the traditional and most common pasta used for this dish. Its small, curved shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy dressing.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman BBQ Potato Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Description
A simple and authentic creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad with a rich mayonnaise dressing, just like you’d find on a classic plate lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni until very tender; drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooled macaroni, carrot, celery, and onions to the dressing.
- Stir gently until everything is well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eOvercooking the pasta slightly is the secret to the authentic soft texture of this salad.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eGrating the yellow onion helps it blend seamlessly into the dressing, providing flavor without large, crunchy pieces.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe salad is even better when made a few hours in advance, allowing the flavors to fully develop.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eAdjust the consistency with a splash of milk if the salad becomes too thick after chilling.u003c/liu003e
