Description
This Classic Macaroni Hawaiian Salad is a creamy, sweet, and savory side dish perfect for barbecues and gatherings. It’s a vibrant mix of macaroni, chicken, pineapple, and a tangy dressing, offering a taste of paradise in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250g (9oz) elbow macaroni: Cooked ‘al dente’ and rinsed.
- 150g (5oz) cooked chicken breast, diced: Or smoked turkey.
- 200g (7oz) canned pineapple chunks, drained: Adds tropical sweetness.
- 100g (3.5oz) frozen peas, thawed: For color and sweetness.
- 80g (2.8oz) red bell pepper, diced: Provides crisp texture.
- 60g (2oz) red onion, diced: Offers a subtle sharpness.
- 120ml (0.5cup) mayonnaise: Creamy base of the dressing.
- 30ml (2Tbsp) plain yogurt: Lightens the dressing.
- 15ml (1Tbsp) apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness.
- 5ml (1tsp) honey: Natural sweetness.
- 2g (0.5tsp) salt: Enhances flavors.
- 1g (0.25tsp) black pepper: Subtle spice.
- 0.5g (0.25tsp) smoked paprika: Smoky depth.
- 15ml (1Tbsp) toasted coconut flakes: Texture and aroma.
- 15ml (1Tbsp) chopped cilantro: Fresh herbaceous note.
- 5g (0.25tsp) sesame seeds: Nutty flavor and crunch.
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Boil macaroni until al dente, drain, rinse, and cool.
- Prepare Chicken: Dice cooked chicken or turkey into cubes.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix macaroni, chicken, pineapple, peas, bell pepper, and onion.
- Coat with Dressing: Gently toss salad with dressing until evenly coated.
- Chill and Marinate: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir, plate, and garnish with coconut, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Notes
Chilling the salad for at least an hour is crucial for the flavors to fully develop. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: macaroni salad, hawaiian salad, side dish, barbecue, potluck, summer, tropical, chicken, pineapple