Aloha Creamy Macaroni & Potato Salad
Aloha Creamy Macaroni & Potato Salad is a quintessential Hawaiian dish that embodies the spirit of island cuisine. This hearty salad features tender elbow macaroni blended with soft potato chunks, vibrant peas, shredded carrots, and the delightful tang of sweet onions. The creamy mayonnaise dressing, made specifically with Best Foods or Hellmann's, binds the ingredients together, while the addition of hard-boiled eggs and black olives adds layers of flavor and texture. Perfectly suited for any potluck, barbecue, or family gathering, this salad is not only delicious but gets even better after a night in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It's a true taste of Hawaii on your plate—grab a fork and experience a slice of island paradise!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
12 ounces (cooked until al dente)
mayonnaise
1 cup (preferably Best Foods or Hellmann's)
onion
1 - 1 1/2 large (sweet onion, thinly sliced)
carrots
2 (shredded)
potatoes
3 (peeled and cut into small chunks, cooked)
hard-boiled eggs
4 - 5 (sliced)
celery seeds or celery salt
1 teaspoon (optional, for flavor)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (added for flavor)
frozen peas
1 cup (added directly from frozen)
black olives
1 ounce (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
2
In a separate pot, boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and allow to cool.
3
Meanwhile, place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Cover and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Drain and cool under cold running water, then peel and slice.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni and cubed potatoes. Add mayonnaise gradually, mixing until you reach your desired creaminess.
5
Thinly slice the sweet onion and shred the carrots. Add them to the bowl.
6
Gently fold in the sliced hard-boiled eggs and mix.
7
If using celery, either thinly slice it or add the celery seeds. Incorporate this into the salad mixture.
8
Drizzle in the soy sauce and sprinkle in pepper to taste, then mix thoroughly.
9
Carefully stir in the frozen peas until evenly distributed.
10
Top with sliced black olives for garnish.
11
Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Taste before serving and adjust with more mayo or soy sauce if needed. This salad is best enjoyed the next day for optimal flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy a taste of the islands!
Nutrition Information
11
Fat
27
Carbs
7
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aloha Creamy Macaroni & Potato Salad?
It is a quintessential Hawaiian dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, soft potato chunks, peas, carrots, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
What brand of mayonnaise is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically suggests using Best Foods or Hellmann's mayonnaise for the best flavor.
How should the macaroni be cooked?
The elbow macaroni should be cooked until it is al dente, following the package instructions.
How are the potatoes prepared for the salad?
Potatoes should be peeled, cut into small chunks, and boiled until tender.
How many eggs are needed and how long should they boil?
You will need 4 to 5 eggs, which should be boiled for 10 to 12 minutes before peeling and slicing.
What kind of onions should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 to 1.5 large sweet onions, thinly sliced.
Do I need to thaw the frozen peas before adding them?
No, the frozen peas can be added directly from the freezer and stirred in carefully.
Is celery a required ingredient?
Celery is optional; you can use thinly sliced celery or a teaspoon of celery seeds for flavor.
Why is soy sauce included in this recipe?
One tablespoon of soy sauce is added to provide a unique savory flavor characteristic of island cuisine.
What is used as a garnish for the salad?
The salad is topped with one ounce of sliced black olives for garnish.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour, though it is best enjoyed the next day.
Can I adjust the creaminess of the salad?
Yes, you should add mayonnaise gradually until you reach your desired level of creaminess.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This recipe contains 27 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
The salad provides 7 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any specific way to combine the ingredients?
You should fold in the sliced hard-boiled eggs gently and stir in the frozen peas carefully to maintain their shape.
What type of pasta is best for this Hawaiian salad?
Elbow macaroni is the traditional and recommended pasta for this recipe.
How many carrots are included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 shredded carrots.
Can I add more seasoning before serving?
Yes, you should taste the salad before serving and adjust with more mayo or soy sauce if needed.
What makes this salad suitable for a potluck?
Its hearty nature and the fact that it improves after sitting in the fridge make it ideal for gatherings.
Does the recipe use fresh or ground pepper?
The recipe recommends using freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a quintessential island favorite.
How much macaroni is required in total?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of elbow macaroni.
What type of potatoes should I use?
While not specified, general boiling potatoes that hold their shape when cubed are best.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The specific number of servings is not specified, but the total calories per serving is 225.
Why is it better the next day?
A night in the fridge allows the flavors of the dressing, vegetables, and pasta to meld beautifully.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This salad is served chilled.
Can I use celery salt instead of celery seeds?
Yes, the recipe allows for either celery seeds or celery salt for flavor.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The salad is creamy, tangy from the onions, and slightly savory from the soy sauce.