Description of this recipe
This Food Truck Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe delivers a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish that perfectly complements any BBQ, potluck, or casual meal. Inspired by the classic Hawaiian plate lunch staple, this version captures the essence of the islands with its rich dressing and tender macaroni. It’s more than just a pasta salad; it’s a comforting bite of paradise.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll fall in love with this macaroni salad because it’s incredibly easy to make, yet bursting with flavor. The key to its irresistible taste is the creamy, slightly sweet dressing, which is perfectly balanced with the tang of apple cider vinegar and the freshness of green onions, celery, and carrots. The extra cooking time ensures the macaroni is tender and absorbs the dressing beautifully, resulting in a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying salad that everyone will enjoy. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a taste of the Hawaiian Islands to your table. It’s perfect for making ahead and travels well, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
FOR THE DRESSING:
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 cups mayonnaise (Duke’s, if you can find it)
- 1 ½ Tablespoons grated yellow onion
- 1 Tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
FOR THE MACARONI:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 5 green onions, white and green parts sliced thin
- 2 large celery ribs, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 cup grated carrots
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, mayonnaise, grated yellow onion, dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure that the sugar and salt are fully dissolved into the liquids to avoid any grainy texture. The grated onion adds a subtle pungency that balances the sweetness. Once the dressing is thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Chilling the dressing allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing its overall taste. Ideally, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but it can be made a day in advance for even better flavor development.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni:
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, but add an additional 5 minutes to the cooking time. This is crucial for achieving the desired texture—you want the macaroni to be very soft and plump, so it absorbs the dressing more effectively. Overcooking the macaroni slightly ensures that it becomes tender and creamy, which is a hallmark of Hawaiian macaroni salad. Once the macaroni is cooked to the right consistency, drain it immediately into a colander.
Step 3: Vinegar Infusion:
After draining the macaroni, immediately dump it back into the same pot. Add the apple cider vinegar and stir continuously until the pasta absorbs all the vinegar. The vinegar adds a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the dressing, providing a balanced and refreshing taste. Ensure that the vinegar is evenly distributed throughout the macaroni to prevent any pockets of overpowering acidity. This step is vital for infusing the macaroni with a subtle tanginess that complements the sweet and creamy dressing.
Step 4: First Cooling Period:
Cover the pot with a lid and allow the macaroni to cool at room temperature for 20 minutes. This initial cooling period allows the macaroni to continue absorbing the vinegar and also prevents it from becoming overly sticky. Keeping the pot covered helps retain moisture, ensuring that the macaroni remains tender and doesn’t dry out. This step sets the stage for the macaroni to fully incorporate the flavors of the dressing in the subsequent steps.
Step 5: Incorporate Half the Dressing:
Add half of the prepared dressing to the pot of macaroni and stir gently to combine. Make sure that the macaroni is evenly coated with the dressing. This initial addition of dressing begins the process of flavoring the macaroni and prevents it from sticking together as it cools further. The dressing should be thoroughly mixed in without mashing the macaroni.
Step 6: Second Cooling Period:
Cover the pot with the lid again and cool for another 20 minutes at room temperature. This second cooling period allows the macaroni to absorb more of the dressing, resulting in a creamier texture and richer flavor. The lid prevents the macaroni from drying out, maintaining its tender consistency.
Step 7: Add Remaining Ingredients:
Add the remaining dressing, sliced green onions, chopped celery, and grated carrots to the pot. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. The green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor, while the celery provides a crisp, refreshing crunch. The grated carrots introduce a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the salad. At this point, taste the macaroni salad and season with additional salt and pepper if needed, adjusting the seasoning to your personal preference.
Step 8: Final Cooling Period:
Cool the macaroni salad completely to room temperature, which should take about 30 more minutes. Allowing it to cool further ensures that all the flavors meld together and the salad achieves the desired creamy consistency. The salad should be stirred occasionally during this cooling period to prevent clumping and ensure even distribution of ingredients.
Step 9: Chill and Serve:
Transfer the macaroni salad to a serving bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to fully develop and the macaroni to firm up, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish. The longer it chills, the better the flavors will meld together.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It’s traditionally served with Hawaiian plate lunches, alongside dishes like kalua pig, teriyaki chicken, or grilled fish. It’s also a great accompaniment to BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled burgers. For a vegetarian option, try serving it with grilled tofu or veggie burgers. The creamy, tangy flavors of the macaroni salad complement the savory and smoky flavors of grilled and barbecued dishes, making it a perfect addition to any summer gathering.
Tips:
- Use Duke’s Mayonnaise: If you can find it, Duke’s mayonnaise is highly recommended for its tangy flavor and creamy texture, which enhances the overall taste of the dressing.
- Don’t Skip the Extra Cooking Time: Overcooking the macaroni slightly is key to achieving the right texture and ensuring that it absorbs the dressing properly.
- Make Ahead: This macaroni salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after it has had time to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, you can reduce the amount of dark brown sugar in the dressing.
- Add Protein: For a heartier salad, consider adding cooked ham, shredded chicken, or canned tuna.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced bell peppers, chopped red onion, or shredded cabbage for added flavor and texture.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
4 hours (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Calories:
Approximately 450 per serving
Protein:
Approximately 8 grams per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 500 mg per serving
Conclusion
This Food Truck Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make side dish that will transport your taste buds to the islands. With its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, it’s a perfect complement to any BBQ, potluck, or casual meal. The key to its success lies in the tender macaroni, the flavorful dressing, and the combination of fresh vegetables. Whether you’re serving it alongside kalua pig or grilled burgers, this macaroni salad is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Hawaiian paradise!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Why is it important to overcook the macaroni for this salad?
A: Overcooking the macaroni slightly, by adding 5 minutes to the package instructions, is crucial for achieving the desired texture. The macaroni needs to be very soft and plump, which allows it to absorb the dressing more effectively. This results in a creamier and more flavorful salad, as the macaroni fully integrates with the dressing.
Q2: Can I use regular sugar instead of dark brown sugar in the dressing?
A: While you can use regular granulated sugar, dark brown sugar adds a depth of flavor and a subtle molasses note that enhances the overall taste of the dressing. Dark brown sugar also helps to thicken the dressing slightly, giving it a richer consistency. If you only have regular sugar, you can add a teaspoon of molasses to mimic the flavor of dark brown sugar.
Q3: How long can I store the leftover macaroni salad in the refrigerator?
A: Leftover macaroni salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Be sure to stir it before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly during storage. It’s always a good idea to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
Q4: Can I add other ingredients to this macaroni salad to customize it?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Some popular additions include diced ham, shredded chicken, canned tuna, diced bell peppers, chopped red onion, or shredded cabbage. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version of Hawaiian macaroni salad.
Q5: Is it necessary to chill the macaroni salad for at least 2 hours before serving?
A: Yes, chilling the macaroni salad for at least 2 hours is highly recommended. Chilling allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish. It also allows the macaroni to firm up slightly, improving the overall texture of the salad. If possible, chilling it overnight will enhance the flavors even more.
