Description
Hawaiian comfort meets culinary charm in Zippy’s macaroni salad, a creamy island classic that blends tender pasta with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing. Locals and visitors alike savor this beloved side dish that perfectly complements grilled meats and embodies the relaxed spirit of Pacific cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 ounces / 226 grams) elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) mayonnaise
Vegetable Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) finely minced yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) finely minced celery
- 1 small carrot, finely minced
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process.
- Finely dice onions, celery, and carrots into uniform small pieces to ensure consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Transfer cooled pasta into a spacious mixing bowl, creating ample room for combining ingredients smoothly.
- Fold mayonnaise into the pasta mixture, ensuring each noodle gets thoroughly coated with creamy dressing.
- Gently incorporate chopped vegetables, distributing them evenly throughout the pasta.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious profile.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute ingredients and enhance overall consistency.
Notes
- Ensure macaroni is al dente and not overcooked to maintain a perfect texture that doesn’t become mushy in the salad.
- Rinse cooked pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, helping the salad stay fresh and separate.
- Consider using Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier version of the classic macaroni salad.
- Customize the salad by adding diced ham, shredded chicken, or chopped hard-boiled eggs to boost protein and create a more substantial side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg