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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad features tender elbow pasta mixed with crunchy vegetables like celery and onions, all coated in a creamy mayo-based dressing. The dish is chilled until the flavors meld, resulting in a bright, refreshing salad with a satisfying crunch and smooth texture. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe perfect for picnics or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta shape
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise use good quality for rich flavor
  • 1 cup celery finely chopped for crunch
  • 1/2 cup onions red or sweet, diced small
  • 1/2 cup grated carrots for color and sweetness
  • 1/2 cup canned pineapple chopped and drained
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the chopped celery, diced onions, grated carrots, and drained pineapple to the cooled pasta. Mix gently to combine all the colorful ingredients evenly.
  3. Pour in the mayonnaise and drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust the mayo or vinegar if needed to balance the flavors.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a good stir, and if it has thickened, fold in a splash of milk or water to loosen the texture slightly. Serve chilled and enjoy the bright, crunchy, and creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.