If you’ve ever been to Hawaii (or a Hawaiian BBQ restaurant on the Mainland) you know that virtually everything is served with a side, or scoop of ‘mac salad’. Â The Hawaiian plate lunch consists of the main entree, generally two scoops of rice and macaroni salad. Â It might seem like a strange combo to some, but it’s just the way it is. Â Everyone has their version of this picnic food and the folks in Hawaii are no different. Â This might seem too soft (overcooked) and too mayonaisy (made that word up) to some but that is generally how it is served. Â I have to say that I like macaroni salad in most forms, but Hawaiian style is my favorite. Â This recipe was adapted to one I found a while back from Cook’s Country Magazine. Â While writing this post, I am also imagining myself eating it in Hawaii so it is a little mental getaway for me! Â Be warned this recipe makes a lot (serves 8-10) so it’s good for a potluck. Â Didn’t want you to have it coming out of your ears!
HAWAIIAN STYLE MACARONI SALAD
Ingredients:
-2 Cups Whole Milk
-2 Cups Mayonaise
-1 TBS Brown Sugar
-1/2 Tsp  Plus 1 TBS Salt
-2 Tsp Black Pepper
-1 Lb. Large Elbow Macaroni
-1/4 Cup Cider Vinegar*
-1/3 Cup Shredded Carrot
*Original recipe called for 1/2 Cup Cider Vinegar but I feel that is too much. Â Some don’t add it at all, so it is really up to you and your personal taste.
Directions:
1. Â Make a dressing by whisking together, in a small bowl: 1 1/2 Cup Milk, 1 Cup Mayonaise, Brown Sugar, Salt and Pepper.
2. Â Boil Macaroni, adding 1 TBS Salt to the water, and cook for 15 minutes. Â The pasta will be very soft, this is okay. Â Drain it and return to the pot.
3. Â Add vinegar to the Macaroni and toss – let cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Â Stir in prepared dressing and cool completely.
5. Â Add the Carrot, remaining Milk and Mayonaise to the cooled Macaroni and mix well. Â Season with Salt and Pepper to taste.
6. Â Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving, can be chilled up to two days.
Cool- but J & R & I went to L & L and I had green salad instead of the mac salad! Way too much mayo:)
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L&L’s is notoriously mayonaisy.