This Hawaiian Mac Salad is creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh veggies, perfect for serving at summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a satisfying side dish with grilled meats and seafood. The dressing is rich and flavorful, while the macaroni soaks up all the goodness for a truly delightful experience.
Ingredients:
For the Dressing:
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely grated
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 1 lb dried elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 carrots, finely grated
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the half and half, mayonnaise, grated onion, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Place the dressing in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the salad.
2. Cook the Macaroni:
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, but extend the cooking time by 5 minutes to help the macaroni absorb the dressing better.
- Once cooked, drain the macaroni and return it to the pot.
3. Season the Macaroni:
- Pour the apple cider vinegar over the hot macaroni and stir until fully absorbed.
- Cover the pot and let the macaroni cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
4. Mix the Salad:
- After the macaroni has cooled, add half of the chilled dressing to the pot. Mix well to ensure the macaroni is evenly coated.
- Cover the pot again and let it sit for another 20 minutes to cool further and allow the flavors to combine.
5. Add Vegetables and Remaining Dressing:
- Stir in the grated carrots and diced celery.
- Pour in the remaining dressing and mix thoroughly.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired.
6. Chill the Salad:
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling step helps the flavors develop and ensures the salad is refreshingly cool.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or alongside grilled meats and seafood.
- This Hawaiian Mac Salad is best enjoyed chilled and pairs perfectly with other tropical-inspired dishes.
Enjoy your delicious Food Truck Hawaiian Mac Salad—a creamy, flavorful dish with just the right balance of tang and sweetness, perfect for any occasion!