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Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe Easy Pineapple Twist for Summer

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A creamy macaroni salad with a tropical pineapple twist, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks. This recipe balances sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures for a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 200g), cooked al dente
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (240ml), preferably Duke’s
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (12g)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5g)
  • 2 medium celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple (about 240g), drained but still juicy
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5g), adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (2g)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 2 cups (about 200g) of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Let it drain fully.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar, and 1 teaspoon (5g) Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Stir in 2 finely diced celery stalks and 3 chopped green onions.
  4. Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing and veggies. Gently fold everything together with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon so the pasta is evenly coated without breaking apart.
  5. Drain 1 cup (about 240g) of crushed pineapple well but keep it juicy. Fold it into the salad last to keep its texture intact. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Add 1 teaspoon (5g) salt and ½ teaspoon (2g) freshly ground black pepper. Give it a final gentle stir.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir, taste again for seasoning, and adjust if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is key. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it quickly. Drain pineapple well to avoid sogginess but keep some juice for creaminess. Fold ingredients gently to keep pasta intact. Chill at least 1 hour for best flavor. Adjust seasoning after chilling. Vegan and gluten-free substitutions available.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/creamy-hawaiian-macaroni-salad-recipe-easy-pineapple-twist-for-summer/