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Creamy Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Sweet Onion Flavor

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A creamy and slightly sweet Hawaiian macaroni salad featuring a gentle sweet onion flavor, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick lunch. This easy recipe balances creamy, tangy, and sweet notes with fresh veggies for a comforting side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (good-quality, e.g., Hellmann’s)
  • 1 small sweet onion, finely diced (Vidalia or Maui preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 1 small carrot, shredded or finely grated
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
  • Optional: pinch of garlic powder or onion powder

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (about 7 oz) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Peel and finely dice one small sweet onion. To soften the sharpness, soak the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 tablespoons milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Add a pinch of garlic powder if desired.
  4. Stir in the prepared onions, 1 finely chopped celery stalk, and 1 small shredded carrot.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and gently fold everything together, being careful not to break the macaroni. Ensure the salad is evenly coated but not swimming in dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and the salad firm up slightly.
  7. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent mushiness. Soak diced sweet onion in cold water to mellow sharpness and drain well to avoid watery dressing. Fold ingredients gently to avoid breaking pasta. Chill salad for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture. Adjust seasoning after chilling. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and plant-based milk. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, sweet onion salad, potluck side dish, easy macaroni salad, picnic salad, classic Hawaiian recipe

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