Hawaiian Style Mac Salad (Print Version)

Creamy, tangy macaroni salad with smooth texture and fresh vegetables. Perfect side for grilled meats and plate lunches.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 2 cups elbow macaroni

→ Dressing

02 - 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
03 - 1/4 cup whole milk
04 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
06 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Vegetables

07 - 1/4 cup finely grated carrot
08 - 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
09 - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
10 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until very soft, about 1-2 minutes longer than package instructions for al dente. Drain well and allow to cool slightly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
03 - While macaroni is still warm, add to the dressing and toss to coat thoroughly. The warmth helps the pasta absorb the creamy dressing.
04 - Stir in grated carrots, chopped celery, onion, and green onions. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the salad.
05 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture development.
06 - Before serving, check for seasoning and add more mayonnaise or milk if needed for desired creaminess.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The texture is what dreams are made of, creamy but not heavy, with pasta that practically melts in your mouth
  • It gets better overnight, making it the ultimate make-ahead side for potlucks and weeknight dinners
02 -
  • Overcooking the pasta feels wrong but it's essential; that extra starch release is what creates the creamy, clinging texture
  • The salad needs time to meld; serving it warm is fine but the flavors don't truly come together until after a few hours in the fridge
03 -
  • Use your box grater's finest side for the carrot so it virtually disappears into the salad
  • Make the dressing a day ahead and keep it separate if you're meal prepping; toss with pasta just before serving

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