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Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe Easy Fresh Pineapple Flavor

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A refreshing and creamy macaroni salad with sweet pineapple chunks, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks. This easy recipe balances tangy dressing with tropical flavors for a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 200g) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) mayonnaise, preferably full-fat
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (150g) fresh pineapple, chopped into small chunks
  • 1/2 cup (50g) celery, finely diced
  • 2 stalks green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (60ml) milk or coconut milk to loosen dressing
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or dash of soy sauce
  • Optional variations: light mayo or Greek yogurt for low-fat, vegan mayo and coconut milk for vegan, diced ham or shredded chicken for added protein, finely chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots for…

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200g) of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, finely dice 1/2 cup (50g) celery, thinly slice 2 green onion stalks, and chop 1 cup (150g) fresh pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup (180ml) mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar until smooth and slightly glossy. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  4. Add the chopped celery, green onions, and pineapple to the cooled macaroni. Pour the dressing over and gently fold with a spatula to coat everything evenly. If the salad feels too thick, stir in up to 1/4 cup (60ml) milk or coconut milk to loosen the dressing.
  5. Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper, then fold again. Taste and add more seasoning if desired.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse well under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Use fresh pineapple for best flavor; canned pineapple should be drained well. Chill salad for at least 1 hour for best taste. Salad keeps well up to 3 days refrigerated; stir in milk or mayo to refresh texture before serving. Freezing is not recommended.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-hawaiian-macaroni-salad-recipe-easy-fresh-pineapple-flavor/