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Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe Easy Tropical Pineapple Twist

creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad - featured image

A creamy macaroni salad with a tropical twist featuring juicy pineapple, crunchy celery, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise, full-fat
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (12 grams) sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (150 grams) pineapple chunks, drained if canned
  • 2 medium celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 small carrot, shredded or finely grated
  • Optional: pinch of garlic powder or onion powder

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, usually 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water until the pasta is cool to the touch. Let it drain completely.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise, 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon (12 grams) sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Finely dice 2 celery stalks, thinly slice 3 green onions, and shred 1 small carrot.
  5. Add the cooled macaroni, chopped celery, green onions, shredded carrot, and 1 cup (150 grams) pineapple chunks to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together using a spatula to avoid breaking the pasta.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  7. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook the macaroni to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking. Fold ingredients gently to keep pasta intact. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. If salad is too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or pineapple juice to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, Hawaiian salad, pineapple salad, creamy salad, tropical salad, summer side dish, potluck recipe