Here’s a simple and delicious Hawaiian-style Macaroni Salad recipe that’s a perfect side dish for any meal:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
- 1 1/2 cups vegan mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise if you’re not vegan)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or green onions work well)
- 1/2 cup grated carrots (optional for color and texture)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery (optional for crunch)
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles or pickle relish (optional for tang)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, combine the vegan mayo, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Mix the Salad:
- Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing and mix well to coat. Then, fold in the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and pickles or pickle relish (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference—feel free to add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if desired.
- Chill:
- Cover the macaroni salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (ideally overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Give the salad a good stir before serving. If it seems a bit dry after chilling, you can stir in a little more mayo or a splash of plant-based milk to loosen it up.
Tips:
- For Extra Creaminess: You can mix in some plant-based sour cream or a bit of non-dairy yogurt to make it even creamier.
- Add-ins: Some people like to add chopped boiled eggs, peas, or even cubed tofu for added protein.
- Spicy Twist: Add a little sriracha or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat in your salad!
This creamy, tangy macaroni salad is a great addition to BBQs, picnics, or as a side to any meal. Enjoy!