Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
For the Macaroni Salad
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon salt, for cooking water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
For the Creamy Dressing
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise, preferably Hellmann's
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, preferably McCormick
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 7-10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 min
- 2
Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly in a colander. Rinse the macaroni under cold running water until completely cooled. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch. Transfer the rinsed macaroni to a large mixing bowl.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
To the cooled macaroni, add the apple cider vinegar, grated carrot, and finely chopped yellow onion. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
⏱️ 3 min
- 4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This initial chill allows the flavors to meld slightly and helps the macaroni absorb some of the vinegar.
⏱️ 15 min
- 5
While the macaroni is chilling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, milk, granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
After 15 minutes, remove the macaroni mixture from the refrigerator. Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the macaroni.
⏱️ 1 min
- 8
Stir everything together thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until the macaroni, carrots, and onions are evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure no dry spots remain.
⏱️ 2 min
- 9
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap again and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to fully develop and the salad to chill completely.
⏱️ 60 min
- 10
Serve the chilled Hawaiian Macaroni Salad as a delicious side dish alongside hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken, or any other desired meal.
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
For the Macaroni Salad
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon salt, for cooking water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
For the Creamy Dressing
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise, preferably Hellmann's
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, preferably McCormick
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 7-10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 min - 2
Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly in a colander. Rinse the macaroni under cold running water until completely cooled. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch. Transfer the rinsed macaroni to a large mixing bowl.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
To the cooled macaroni, add the apple cider vinegar, grated carrot, and finely chopped yellow onion. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
⏱️ 3 min - 4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This initial chill allows the flavors to meld slightly and helps the macaroni absorb some of the vinegar.
⏱️ 15 min - 5
While the macaroni is chilling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, milk, granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
After 15 minutes, remove the macaroni mixture from the refrigerator. Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the macaroni.
⏱️ 1 min - 8
Stir everything together thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until the macaroni, carrots, and onions are evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure no dry spots remain.
⏱️ 2 min - 9
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap again and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to fully develop and the salad to chill completely.
⏱️ 60 min - 10
Serve the chilled Hawaiian Macaroni Salad as a delicious side dish alongside hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken, or any other desired meal.