This is not your classic macaroni salad… and in my opinion, that’s okay. It’s even BETTER! This macaroni salad is sweet and creamy and has a nice, satisfying crunch to it. There’s fruit and vegetables and all sorts of yummy things! I know that sounds odd, but don’t turn away!
I’ve never made a “real” macaroni salad before because I don’t really like pickles or relish and it seems like every macaroni salad calls for that. I’m not going to buy a jar for just one recipe [but spices on the other hand…]! So when I saw this recipe, I was sold. I don’t really know what made the original recipe “Hawaiian” because to me, you need pineapple to make a recipe Hawaiian. [BTW I know that is SO NOT TRUE but that’s where my mind goes!] So I added some. Duh.
And I also added some mint for good measure. This addicting salad was just calling for some. Seriously. This is a great dish to make for summer picnics and BBQs, or just an ordinary dinner at home. Ben doesn’t even like mayo-based salads but he willingly ate [and enjoyed] several bowls of this. How’s that for rave reviews? Enjoy!
one year ago: Thai Tofu Ramen
two years ago: Strawberry Coconut Baked Oatmeal
three years ago: Margarita Cupcakes
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
adapted from A Cozy Kitchen
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup carrots, finely diced
- 2/3 cup celery, finely diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook and drain macaroni to al dente according to package directions.
Stir together hot macaroni, mayo, carrots, celery, and vinegar. Combine sugar, pepper, and onion powder, add to macaroni, and stir well. Fold in pineapple and mint, then season with pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours to set, overnight if possible. Add a little more mayo before serving if desired. Enjoy!
Author: Sarah K. @ thepajamachef.com
Linked up with Weekend Potluck.
The Pajama Chef 
Thank you Sarah for the nice recipe. Have a Wonderful Weekend!
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thanks liz!
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How interesting! I’m intrigued. I don’t like mayo- wonder if Greek yogurt would work?
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yeah i’m sure it would!
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I’m not much into mayo either…I’m thinking you could use Miracle Whip instead of the mayo. You might want to leave out the sugar until you try it, as Miracle Whip does have some sugar in it already.
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yes, you could use miracle whip if you want. or plain yogurt. or maybe even sour cream. i like mayo so i probably won’t change it up but if you do, please let me know how it goes! 🙂
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Oh man, this is the type of food I have been craving during my pregnancy! Yum!
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thanks michelle 🙂
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Oh I can’t wait to make this. I recently saw another recipe for Hawaiian mac salad and it didn’t have pineapple, and I thought that was so weird. Can’t wait to try yours with it. De-Lish! Thanks so very much for sharing with us at Weekend Potluck. Pinning!
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thank you, marsha! i added the pineapple to make it seem more hawaiian!
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