This Easy Hawaiian Mac Salad brings a taste of the islands right to your table! Creamy, tangy, and packed with tasty veggies, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for any gathering.
Honestly, once you try it, you’ll want to make it all summer long! I love serving it cold, and it goes great with burgers or grilled chicken. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow macaroni: This is the classic choice for mac salad, but any small pasta, like shells or rotini, works well too! Choose what you have on hand or what you like best.
Mayonnaise: I recommend using a creamy mayonnaise, like Duke’s, for extra richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt can be a great substitute—it adds creaminess and a slight tang.
Milk: Whole milk is ideal for a creamy dressing, but you can switch it to low-fat milk or a plant-based milk if needed. Adjust the amount based on how thick you prefer the dressing!
White vinegar: This adds zing to the dressing. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can replace it nicely for a slightly different flavor.
Shredded carrot and celery: These add crunch and a bit of sweetness. You can add peas or diced bell peppers for extra color and taste if you like!
How Do I Ensure My Macaroni is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the macaroni correctly is crucial for a good salad. Here’s how I do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the macaroni and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually around 7-9 minutes.
- Taste a piece a minute or so before the time is up. It should be al dente—cooked through but still firm to the bite.
- After cooking, drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down for the salad!
Following these steps helps achieve the perfect texture for your Hawaiian Mac Salad!
Easy Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe Like Food Truck Style
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s or similar creamy mayo)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (sweet or red onion)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Hawaiian Mac Salad will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus you’ll want to let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 to 2 hours. This resting time allows all the flavors to mix beautifully. Total time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes if you include chilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Elbow Macaroni:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 7 minutes. This means it should be firm but cooked through.
2. Rinse the Pasta:
Once the macaroni is done, drain it in a colander. Rinse it under cold running water until it’s fully cooled. This step stops the cooking process and helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. Drain well to get rid of excess water.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing will give your salad a delicious flavor!
4. Combine the Pasta and Dressing:
Next, add the cooled macaroni to the dressing mixture. Gently stir to coat all the noodles evenly—be careful not to break them!
5. Mix in the Veggies:
Now it’s time to fold in the shredded carrot and chopped celery. If you’re using onion, add that too! Stir everything together until it’s all well mixed.
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 1-2 hours. This is when the flavors will really come together and the salad will get nice and cold.
7. Final Stir and Adjust:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Taste it first! You may want to adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt or pepper to suit your taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad chilled as a delightful side dish for Hawaiian BBQ, burgers, or any grilled dishes. It’s sure to be a hit!
This creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet mac salad features tender elbow pasta coated with a smooth mayo dressing and crisp veggies—just like the beloved food truck style you enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the elbow macaroni with any gluten-free pasta. Just ensure to follow the cooking instructions for the specific brand you choose, as cooking times may vary.
How Do I Make This Mac Salad Dairy-Free?
To make the salad dairy-free, substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free mayo and replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk or another dairy-free milk. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy texture without dairy!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in ingredients like diced bell peppers, peas, or even corn for extra color and crunch. Just chop them small so they mix well with the pasta!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Your Hawaiian Mac Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may thicken while it sits.
