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“Mac salad” is a staple in Hawai’i, and is typically served alongside rice and a main dish. Try the regular or vegan version of this Hawaiian style macaroni salad…it’s ‘ono (delicious) both ways!
Hawaiian style macaroni salad is very simple, and when eaten alone may not be impressive. But when it mixes with rice and the sauces from your main dish, it is an amazing match made in heaven! Serve it alongside curry, stew, chili, and a saucy stir-fry and you can’t go wrong.
If a food is from Hawai’i, does it make it Hawaiian food?
This may be confusing to some, but just because a food is popular in Hawai’i, doesn’t make it “Hawaiian food.”
The local cuisine in Hawai’i is a blend of many different cultures. Everything from fried noodles to loco moco is all considered “local food.”
Hawaiian food is a whole different cuisine. It is food that was traditionally eaten by native Hawaiians (kanaka maoli) and includes poi, laulau, pipi kaula, etc.
For a complete break down of the differences, check out Onolicious Hawai’i.
This macaroni salad recipe is considered “local food.” In Hawai’i we would just call it mac salad. But, to be more accessible to people outside of Hawai’i, I’m calling it Hawaiian Style Macaroni Salad.
What kind of mayonnaise should I use?
For the true Hawaiian mac salad taste, you MUST use Best Foods mayonnaise. For the vegan version, I use Best Foods vegan mayonnaise. It is the closest tasting to the original Best Foods that I can find. Since it is not a perfect match, you can substitute your favorite vegan mayonnaise, if you prefer.
So many variations of mac salad…
There are so many different variations of mac salad in Hawai’i. Some people add potatoes, hard boiled egg, even canned tuna! Others keep it very simple. One thing it always has in common? LOTS of mayo!
I don’t care for a lot of things in my mac salad. I prefer it very simple. So this recipe is as simple as it gets. But it’s super ‘ono!
How do you make Hawaiian Style Macaroni Salad?
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups of Best Foods mayonnaise (or Best Foods vegan mayonnaise)
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2-1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of water
Step 1: Cook the macaroni according to the directions on the package. Cook it a little past “al dente.” The pasta should be soft but not mushy. Then, run the macaroni under cold water until it is completely cooled off.
Step 2: Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl, and mix until everything is fully combined.
Step 3: Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy!
Try these other recipes from Hawai’i!
- Easy Hawaiian Style Vegan Fried Rice
- Hawaiian Style “Poke” Edamame
- Hawaiian Style Vegetable Chow Mein
- Chichi Dango (Mochi)
- Pumpkin Butter Mochi + Video
Hawaiian Style Macaroni Salad with Vegan Option
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups Best Foods Mayonnaise or Best Foods Vegan Mayonnaise
- 1 carrot grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the directions on the package. Cook it a little past “al dente.” The pasta should be soft but not mushy. Then, run the macaroni under cold water until it is completely cooled off.2 cups elbow macaroni
- Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl, and mix until everything is fully combined.2 cups elbow macaroni, 2 1/2 cups Best Foods Mayonnaise, 1 carrot, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 – 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon water
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
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