Hawaiian macaroni salad is a delectable side dish that includes chilled pasta, mayonnaise, vinegar, and pineapple juice! This popular pasta salad is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory. Bring it to your next barbecue, potluck, or picnic and it's sure to be a new favorite!
20ozcrushed pineapple(or pineapple chunks- 1 20 oz can drained, then reserve ¾ cup pineapple juice)
1-2cupscooked ham(cubed)
¼cupbacon(2-3 strips crisped and crumbled)
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Instructions
To begin, cook pasta according to the instructions on the package until al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and stop it from cooking further by rinsing it with cold water until cool to the touch.
Once the pasta is cooled, combine it with all remaining ingredients (carrot, celery, onion, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper - including optional stir-ins if desired) in a large mixing bowl. Mix well, and cover with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the Hawaiian macaroni salad for at least 1 hour. Remove from the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
The nutrition information includes the optional add-ins.
When stored, you may need to drain off excess liquid before serving.
After storing, you might need to drain the macaroni salad. The salad will likely collect liquid after sitting in your fridge, so drain it away before serving the salad again!
Hellmann’s/Best Food is the brand of mayo typically used in Hawaii! This brand is extra flavorful and creamy, but you can also use another good-quality brand, like Duke’s.
Don’t want the sauce to be too sweet? You can leave out the pineapple juice (though I don’t recommend it)! Try thinning the sauce with a little milk instead.
The optional add-ins aren’t required, but are highly recommended! I especially recommend trying the bacon or ham. The sweet and salty flavor combo is just so delicious!
Want to make this macaroni salad vegan? Simply swap the mayo and Greek yogurt for a good quality vegan mayo, like Hellmann’s Vegan Mayo or Vegenaise!