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–+ servings

Hawaii Local-Style Mac Salad (For Plate Lunches)

Joanne
You can't have an authentic Hawaii local-style plate lunch without mac salad! This recipe delivers a tangy, subtly sweet, and comforting side dish that perfectly rounds out every plate.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Hawaii Local, Hawaiian
Servings 12
Calories 416 kcal
Disclosure

The equipment and ingredients sections contain affiliate links to products I love to use as well as items that I personally believe make this recipe the best version of itself.

Equipment

mixing bowls
containers with covers
silicone spatula

Ingredients
 
 

Soaking Mix for Macaroni Pasta

  • ½ cup mayonnaise Hellmann's or Best Foods brand *ONLY*, if available, use extra heavy type
  • 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 lb macaroni pasta

Macaroni Sauce

  • 1½ cups mayonnaise Hellmann's or Best Foods brand *ONLY*, if available, use extra heavy type
  • 1½ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 medium onion grated or pureed, with juice
  • ¼ cup carrot minced
  • ½ cup evaporated milk

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, add apple cider vinegar and ½ cup mayonnaise and mix together. Set aside.
  • Boil water in a large pot. Add the macaroni pasta and stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the pot. Cook the pasta for 10 minutes until it is soft (past al dente).
  • Drain and rinse pasta with cold water. Rest in a colander for 3-5 minutes.
  • Put the cooked pasta in a large bowl. It will still be hot and steaming. Add the cider vinegar and the mayo. Stir it in gently to incorporate into the pasta. Let rest for 10 - 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile add the 1½ cup mayo, carrots, granulated sugar, grated onion, and evaporated milk to a bowl. Mix until well combined. It will be liquidy. Trust the process!
  • Pour the mayo mixture to the large bowl of macaroni and combine well. Let it cool to room temperature.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.
  • Before serving, take it out of the fridge and bring to room temperature. Stir gently to make the macaroni creamy again. Add one ice cream scoop of mac salad on a plate lunch.
    Extra Creamy Note: If you are using regular Hellmann's and want it even more creamy, add an additional ¾ cup mayo while remixing.

Nutrition

Calories: 416kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 6gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 253mgPotassium: 148mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 495IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated with the Spoonacular Food API and should be used for informational purposes only.
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