Hawaiian Mac Salad Plate Lunch

This creamy and tangy Hawaiian Mac Salad is perfect for summer gatherings or when you are longing for classic Hawaiian plate lunch flavors at home. Every bite balances comfort and freshness thanks to generous mayonnaise dressing and crisp vegetables. I make this every year for family cookouts and it always disappears fast

I first tried this while visiting Oahu with my cousins and the memory of that creamy tang stuck with me I have to say it is the only dish my picky nephew will eat any time I bring it

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni: The backbone of the salad absorbs all the rich flavors and should be cooked until very soft for maximum creaminess Choose a classic brand you trust
• Mayonnaise: Creates the base of the luscious dressing and brings the classic creaminess Go for full fat real mayo for the best texture
• Grated carrot: Adds crunch and a gentle hint of sweetness Pick carrots that are shiny and firm and grate them fresh for best color and flavor
• Finely chopped celery: Brings refreshing snap to each bite and a subtle herbal note Fresh celery should be crisp with no browning
• Apple cider vinegar: Offers a tangy brightness that balances the creamy mayo Seek out raw or unfiltered vinegar for more depth
• Finely chopped onion: Rounds out the flavor with gentle heat and a hint of sharpness Choose onions that feel heavy for their size and avoid any sprouting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a large pot of salted water then add the elbow macaroni and cook for around ten to twelve minutes until the texture is very soft Do not rush this step Soft pasta absorbs the dressing best Drain well and let the pasta cool down completely so it does not melt the mayo later

Mix the Dressing:

In a large bowl whisk mayonnaise apple cider vinegar salt and black pepper until it is fully smooth and creamy Taste to check the seasoning Adjust amounts to match your preference for tang and richness

Add Crunchy Veggies:

Stir grated carrot finely chopped celery and finely chopped onion directly into your dressing Fold in gently so everything stays crisp Some people like to increase the veggies for even more color

Combine Pasta and Dressing:

Add the cooked and cooled macaroni into the bowl with the dressing mixture Toss thoroughly with a large spoon so each piece of macaroni is evenly coated If you want a creamier salad add a little extra mayo

Chill the Salad:

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least two hours for flavors to meld For the fullest flavor leave overnight Patience is worth it

Serve and Enjoy:

Give the salad a quick toss to refresh it just before serving You can serve it as part of a Hawaiian style plate lunch with barbecue chicken or alongside burgers at your next cookout

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Authentic Hawaiian Mac Salad just reminds me of summer block parties My favorite part is the mayo dressing and sometimes my little sister and I would sneak spoonfuls straight from the fridge before dinner Even now the flavor instantly brings back childhood memories for me

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Stir before serving If it looks a bit dry add a spoonful of mayo to bring back that creamy texture Do not freeze as the pasta can get mushy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of apple cider vinegar use plain white vinegar in a pinch but reduce the amount to keep the tang balanced You can also mix in a scoop of sour cream with the mayo if you like a richer flavor For extra veggies try peas or red bell pepper but always chop everything small for the best texture

Serving Suggestions

This macaroni salad shines next to grilled or fried proteins like chicken katsu kalbi or even simple teriyaki chicken I love putting a scoop right on the plate with sticky rice and barbecue meats for the full Hawaiian feast effect It also stands alone as a potluck side when garnished with scallions

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Cultural Notes

Hawaiian Mac Salad is a homegrown tradition often served with plate lunches that combine Western and Asian influences Its signature extra soft texture and creamy dressing make it stand out from most mainland pasta salads Generations of island families have handed down their own secrets and tweaks to make each bowl unique

Common Recipe Questions

→ Why is the macaroni cooked until very soft?

Cooking the macaroni until very soft allows it to absorb the creamy dressing well, resulting in a cohesive texture that defines this Hawaiian staple.

→ What makes this salad distinctly Hawaiian?

The salad's combination of extra-creamy mayo dressing, hint of vinegar tang, and finely chopped carrot, celery, and onion gives it the unique flavor associated with the islands.

→ Can I prepare Hawaiian mac salad ahead of time?

Yes, chilling the salad for several hours or overnight is recommended to allow flavors to meld. This also makes it convenient for gatherings.

→ Which type of mayonnaise works best?

Rich, full-fat mayonnaise provides the classic texture. Avoid low-fat versions for best results and authentic mouthfeel.

→ What proteins pair well with this salad?

It’s ideal alongside grilled barbecue meats such as teriyaki chicken, kalbi beef, or island-style pork, as well as seafood dishes.