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Secret Ingredient Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 10 reviews

This Secret Ingredient Hawaiian Macaroni Salad offers a creamy, tangy twist on a classic comfort food. Featuring tender elbow macaroni, rich mayonnaise with whole milk, and the unique addition of solid white albacore tuna mixed into the dressing, this salad is balanced with fresh shredded carrots and diced green onions for crunch and brightness. Perfectly chilled to let the flavors meld, it’s a beloved side dish that complements Hawaiian-style meals or can shine on its own.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for boiling water)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Dressing

  • 2 1/2 cups mayonnaise (Best Foods recommended)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 5 oz solid white albacore tuna (broken into very small pieces)

Vegetables

  • 3/4 cup carrots (freshly shredded)
  • 1/4 cup green onion (diced)

Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Add the elbow macaroni and extend the cooking time to 10 minutes to achieve a softer noodle texture. Drain the macaroni well once cooked.
  2. Toss with vinegar and cool: Immediately toss the drained macaroni with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to season slightly. Let it cool for about 10 minutes to allow the vinegar to be absorbed and the pasta to cool down.
  3. Prepare dressing: While the macaroni cools, whisk together 2 1/2 cups mayonnaise, 2 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Stir in the broken-up solid white albacore tuna until evenly combined.
  4. Separate dressing: Reserve 1 cup of the prepared dressing and refrigerate it for later use.
  5. Combine salad components: Mix the remaining dressing with the cooled macaroni, shredded carrots, and diced green onions. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and chill properly.
  6. Finish and serve: Before serving, stir in the reserved dressing to refresh the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed to balance flavors perfectly.

Notes

  • Extending the cooking time for the elbow macaroni results in a softer, more traditional texture preferred in Hawaiian-style macaroni salad.
  • The apple cider vinegar adds a slight tang that balances the creamy dressing.
  • Reserving some of the dressing to stir in at the end keeps the salad fresh and vibrant right before serving.
  • The inclusion of albacore tuna in the dressing adds a subtle flavor depth that sets this salad apart.
  • For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to let flavors marry.
  • Use freshly shredded carrots for optimal crunch and sweetness.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian
  • Diet: Halal

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/secret-ingredient-hawaiian-macaroni-salad-recipe/