Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

May 24th, 2013

I’m going to a Luau this weekend.   I’ve been asked to bring Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.  Say, what? . . . . I had never heard of this before.  But indeed Hawaiians like to serve macaroni salad as a side with sticky rice along with their pork.  And don’t even think about cooking it al dente.  The whole premise behind the dish is to cook the macaroni to death (they call it fat macaroni).  This allows the seemingly large quantity of mayonnaise and milk to absorb into the pasta making it creamy.

It is a very simple recipe with few ingredients; just macaroni, mayonnaise (it has to be Best Buy or Hellman’s), milk, brown sugar, cider vinegar, shredded carrots, celery and scallions.  But the simple ingredients unite to make a creamy, slightly sweet and sour salad with the crunch of carrots and celery.  Deceptively easy and good.  It is perfect with pork.

The luau is being held at fellow blogger Larry’s Almost Heaven South dockside pavilion where several bloggers have joined forces to roast a pig.  At least that was the last word I had.  It may be just parts of the pig for all I know.  But I do know that we bloggers and spouses will have a grand time.  Here are scenes from last year’s event.  Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  This salad would be a great side for anything you cook on the grill.

HAWAIIAN MACARONI SALAD (Epicurious via Cook’s Country)

2 cups whole milk, divided
2 cups mayonnaise (Best Buy or Hellman’s), divided
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Salt and pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup cider vinegar
4 scallions, sliced thin
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
1 celery rib, chopped fine

Whisk 1 1/2 cups milk, 1 cup mayonnaise, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons pepper in bowl.

Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot.  Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta and cook until very soft, about 15 minutes.  Drain pasta and return to pot.  Add vinegar and toss until absorbed.  This prevents the vinegar from curdling the milk.  Transfer to bowl.  Cool pasta 10 minutes, then stir in dressing until pasta is well coated.  Cool completely.

Add Scallions, carrot, celery, remaining milk, and remaining mayonnaise to bowl with pasta mixture and stir to combine.  Season with salt and pepper.  Transfer to serving bowl and refrigerate, covered, for at least 1 hour or up ro 2 days.  Serve.

Printable recipe

 

 

12 responses to “Hawaiian Macaroni Salad”

  1. Eileen says:

    It sounds really good. Enjoy the luau. 🙂

  2. Susan says:

    Enjoy the luau. I am sure there will be photos to share with the rest of us.

  3. Larry says:

    You go girl – can wait to try it – I’m still experimenting with a few things. See you Sunday – you chariot awaits.

  4. Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says:

    Can’t wait to try your salad Penny. I’ve never heard of Hawaiian macaroni salad either. You did a great job. See you tomorrow.
    Sam

  5. Darla says:

    This Sounds yummy. Have fun at your Luau. Looking forward to seeing you next weekend!

  6. Penny says:

    I had never heard of a Hawaiian mac salad before either! It looks yummy. Have a great time at the Luau!

  7. bellini says:

    Have a fantastic time at Larry’s!!

  8. Lea Ann says:

    Since I can’t be at the Luau, I might have to make this so I don’t feel so sorry for myself. Have a great time at the Party Penny.

  9. Velva- Tomatoes on the Vine says:

    You bloggers are indeed going to have a grand time at Larry’s! Enjoy. I am hoping one day to attend too.

    The macaroni salad looks good. Everyone will enjoy it.

    Velva

  10. Kate Zeller says:

    I’ve heard of this – but never tasted it. I have no idea what the equivalent of elbow macaroni would be here…. Have a great party! Are you sure it’s not Spam? LOL

  11. Chris says:

    I enjoyed it very much! Like you, I had no idea it was a “thing” in Hawaii either until we started looking into this. I thought it was a Southern thing growing up because we had it at church pot lucks all the time.

  12. Theresa says:

    Going to a big luau tomorrow and going to make this!!

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