Hawaiian Delight Macaroni Salad
Experience the flavors of the islands with this creamy Hawaiian Delight Macaroni Salad, inspired by the popular dish from Ono Hawaiian BBQ. This vibrant and hearty salad features tender elbow pasta harmoniously blended with imitation crabmeat, fresh celery, and sweet peas. Grated hard-boiled eggs add richness and texture, while a hint of pickle relish lends a unique tang. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a delightful side dish, this macaroni salad captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine. You can easily adapt this recipe using tuna or edamame for a delicious twist. Make it ahead of time for the best flavor infusion!
N/A
Servings
380
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Elbow Macaroni
8 ounces (uncooked)
Imitation Crabmeat
1/2 lb (chopped)
Frozen Peas
9 ounces (cooked)
Celery
2 stalks (chopped)
Hard-Boiled Eggs
4 large (grated)
Pickle Relish
1/4 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste
Yellow Onion (optional)
1/2 (chopped)
Scallions (optional)
2 (chopped)
Best Foods Mayonnaise
3/4 quart (as needed)
Instructions
1
1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add in the uncooked elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Ensure not to overcook.
2
2. Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with the chopped imitation crabmeat, cooked peas, chopped celery, grated hard-boiled eggs, and optional yellow onions or scallions.
4
4. Add the pickle relish and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
5
5. Gradually fold in the Best Foods Mayonnaise, adding enough to coat the salad according to your preference. The macaroni will absorb some of the mayo, so feel free to adjust the amount.
6
6. For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or, ideally, overnight. Just before serving, mix the salad once again and add any additional mayonnaise if desired. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Delight Macaroni Salad!
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
20g
Carbs
10g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawaiian Delight Macaroni Salad?
It is a creamy island-inspired pasta salad featuring elbow macaroni, imitation crabmeat, and sweet peas, similar to the version served at Ono Hawaiian BBQ.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni.
How should the macaroni be cooked?
Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, ensuring not to overcook it, then drain and rinse with cold water.
Why do I need to rinse the pasta in cold water?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and allows the macaroni to cool completely before mixing with the other ingredients.
What is the main protein source in this salad?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of chopped imitation crabmeat as the primary protein.
Can I substitute the imitation crabmeat?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by using tuna or edamame instead of imitation crabmeat.
How are the hard-boiled eggs prepared for the salad?
Four large hard-boiled eggs should be grated to add richness and texture to the salad.
What vegetables are included in the Hawaiian Delight Macaroni Salad?
The salad includes chopped celery and cooked frozen peas.
Is there a specific brand of mayonnaise recommended?
The recipe recommends using Best Foods Mayonnaise for the best flavor and creaminess.
How much mayonnaise do I need?
The recipe suggests approximately 3/4 quart of mayonnaise, adjusted to your preference.
What gives the salad its unique tang?
A hint of pickle relish (about 1/4 teaspoon) provides a unique tang to the dressing.
Can I add onions to this macaroni salad?
Yes, you can optionally add 1/2 of a chopped yellow onion or 2 chopped scallions for extra flavor.
How should I season the salad?
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your personal taste.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though overnight is ideal.
Why should I refrigerate the salad overnight?
Refrigerating overnight allows for the best flavor infusion throughout the pasta and ingredients.
What should I do if the salad looks dry after refrigerating?
Since the macaroni absorbs some of the mayonnaise, you can mix in additional mayonnaise just before serving if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
The base recipe contains crabmeat and eggs, but it can be made vegetarian by substituting the crabmeat with edamame.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 380 calories.
What is the fat content of the Hawaiian Delight Macaroni Salad?
The salad contains approximately 30g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This salad provides approximately 10g of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains approximately 2g of fiber per serving.
What occasions is this salad best for?
It is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a delightful side dish for any meal.
How do I ensure the best texture for the salad?
Ensure the macaroni is cooked only to al dente and that all ingredients are thoroughly chilled before serving.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas as long as they are cooked before being added to the salad.
Is this recipe considered a summer dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer recipe due to its cool, creamy nature and suitability for outdoor events.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While elbow macaroni is traditional for this Hawaiian-style salad, you could use other short pasta shapes if necessary.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including optional items like onions and scallions.
Is this recipe easy to scale for large groups?
Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled, making it ideal for large gatherings and potlucks.