Hawaiian Mac Salad

The famous Mac Salad is much easier to make than you might think. Here we will use large elbow noodles with grated carrots, onions, and a creamy mayo dressing. It is SO good. My husband’s father is from Kona, and we eat this salad regularly. It is a favorite at family gatherings and BBQ’S!

Now being married to a Hawaiian is a lot of pressure to make sure I get it right. After a little trial and error, lots of taste testing, I finally did it! Now the secret is all in the technique. If you follow my directions EXACTLY, you too will be Hawaiian Mac Salad pro. It is so creamy and melts in your mouth. I love a good sprinkle of paprika right before serving, but that part is optional. This is how my husband says, “Broke da jaw” good.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 1 pound large elbow noodles
• 2 carrots grated on the small grate.
• 1/4 yellow onion grated (small grate)
• 2 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar
• 2 1/4 cups Hellman’s mayonnaise
• 1 celery stick sliced thin and chopped
• 2 tbsp. Brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper
• 1 tbsp. Paprika

Instructions

1. Boil noodles in 1 tbsp salt.
2. Over cook for about 2-3 minutes.
3. Unlike Italian pasta we want a bit of mush for the right texture.
4.  Drain and pour into a large bowl. While the pasta is still hot adding the carrot and onion. Mix very well. 
5. Next comes the vinegar. Mix and set aside. Let the flavors get acquainted.
6. In a separate bowl add the mayo, sugar, celery, salt and pepper. 
7. Mix well.
8. After well combined pour half into the mac bowl and mix well.
9. Let the Mac sit for 15 minutes. This creates the 1st coating.
10. Then after 15 minutes is up add the remaining mayo mixture. Mix it up well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to develop the flavors. 
11. Sprinkle w paprika before serving. (optional)
12. ENJOY!