Description
This creamy and tangy Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad, called ‘Island Macaroni Rainbow’, is a family-friendly side dish that brings vibrant island flavors to your table. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend barbecues, offering an authentic aloha taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1.5 cups mayonnaise (Best Foods or Duke’s recommended)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup shredded carrots
- 0.25 cup finely minced sweet onion
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 1 to 2 stalks celery, finely diced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Boil elbow macaroni in a large pot according to package directions for 7-9 minutes until tender but still firm (al dente). Rinse immediately under cold water for about 1 minute until completely cool to stop cooking and remove excess starch, then drain very well.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled, drained macaroni, shredded carrots, and minced onion to the dressing. Stir gently with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.
Notes
To lighten the salad, reduce mayonnaise by 0.25 cup and replace with 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt. Do not overcook macaroni; mushy pasta is a definite no-go. Ensure macaroni is completely cool and well drained before adding dressing to prevent a watery salad. Always chill adequately for at least one hour for the best melded texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.75 cup (150 g)
- Calories: 380 calories
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian macaroni salad, side dish, creamy, easy recipe, family-friendly, aloha, potluck, BBQ