Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Potato Salad
Indulge in this authentic Hawaiian-style macaroni and potato salad, a beloved staple of the traditional plate lunch. Creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this salad combines tender macaroni pasta, hearty potatoes, and a medley of flavorful ingredients, including hard-boiled eggs and sweet peas, all brought together with rich mayonnaise. Perfectly suited as a side dish to accompany fried chicken, kalua pork, or your choice of meat, this dish captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine in every bite. Prepare it ahead of time and let it chill overnight to enhance the flavors for the ultimate feast.
8
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni
1/2 lb (cooked according to package directions)
hard-cooked eggs
8 (peeled and separated into yolks and whites)
red potatoes
3 (cooked and cubed)
salt
1 tablespoon (for seasoning the salad)
vinegar
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
mayonnaise
2 cups (for creaminess)
ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (for warming spice notes)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
frozen peas
10 ounces (thawed and drained)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the macaroni and set aside to cool.
2
Meanwhile, hard boil the eggs: place eggs in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, then turn off heat and cover for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, transfer to cold water to cool, then peel.
3
Once the eggs are cool, carefully separate the yolks from the whites. In a small bowl, mash the egg yolks with a fork, and place them in the refrigerator to chill.
4
Chop the egg whites into small pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled macaroni and the cubed red potatoes.
5
Sprinkle the salad mixture with salt and vinegar, then gently stir to combine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for the flavors to meld.
6
The next day, retrieve the chilled egg yolks from the fridge and add them to the macaroni mixture. Carefully fold in the mayonnaise, ground allspice, pepper, and thawed peas, making sure everything is evenly coated.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover and refrigerate for a few more hours before serving to ensure it's nice and cold.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
28.75g
Carbs
4.375g
Protein
1.875g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Potato Salad?
It is a creamy, comforting side dish that is a staple of the traditional Hawaiian plate lunch, featuring macaroni, potatoes, and a rich mayonnaise dressing.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of macaroni pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions.
How many eggs are needed?
This recipe requires 8 hard-cooked eggs.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
You should use 3 red potatoes that have been cooked and cubed.
How long do I boil the eggs?
Place eggs in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover for 12 minutes.
Why do I need to separate the egg yolks?
The yolks are mashed separately and chilled, then folded in later with the mayonnaise to create a smoother, creamier texture.
What should I do with the egg whites?
The egg whites should be chopped into small pieces and added directly to the mixing bowl with the macaroni and potatoes.
How much mayonnaise is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of mayonnaise to ensure a rich and creamy consistency.
What gives the salad its unique flavor?
A combination of salt, vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice provides the distinct warming spice notes and tang.
Do I need to cook the frozen peas?
No, you should use 10 ounces of frozen peas that have been thawed and drained before adding them to the salad.
How long should the salad chill?
The mixture of macaroni, potatoes, egg whites, salt, and vinegar should be refrigerated overnight. After adding the final ingredients, it should chill for a few more hours.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
It is best to prepare it ahead of time and let it chill overnight to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What dishes pair well with Hawaiian Macaroni Potato Salad?
It is an excellent side dish for fried chicken, kalua pork, or any traditional Hawaiian meat dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 27.5g of fat.
How much protein is in this salad?
Each serving provides about 4.375g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 28.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is approximately 1.875g of fiber per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the sugar content is negligible or not specified.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is a popular party and picnic food, though it must be kept cold due to the mayonnaise and egg content.
Can I substitute the red potatoes?
While red potatoes are recommended for their texture, you could use Yukon Gold as a substitute, though it may slightly change the authenticity.
Why is vinegar added to the salad?
Vinegar is added to the warm pasta and potatoes to provide a bright tang and help season the ingredients from within.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat, though it does include eggs and dairy-based products (mayonnaise).
What is 'al dente' macaroni?
It means cooking the pasta until it is tender but still firm to the bite, preventing it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, but you should blanch fresh peas briefly in boiling water and then shock them in ice water before adding them to the salad.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will this salad stay fresh in the fridge?
When stored properly, it should remain fresh for 3 to 5 days.
Can I double this recipe for a large party?
Yes, the ingredients can easily be doubled to serve a larger group.
What is the significance of the allspice?
Allspice provides a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that distinguishes Hawaiian-style macaroni salad from standard versions.