Tropical Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This Tropical Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, capturing the essence of a luau in every creamy, delicious bite. Created for my son's birthday party, this vibrant pasta salad has since become a staple at family gatherings and potlucks. With a delightful blend of sweet pineapple chunks, savory havarti cheese, and a tangy dressing, it beautifully balances flavors that everyone loves. The secret to its incredible taste is letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, allowing the ingredients to meld together perfectly. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a sunny day, this dish will surely impress and satisfy any gathering.
10
Servings
220
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Miracle Whip
1/2 cup (none)
Mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
Relish or Pickles, chopped
1/3 cup (if using pickles, chop finely)
Celery Seed
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Purple Onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup (finely chop)
Pineapple Chunks
1 cup (drained if canned)
Havarti Cheese, cubed
1 cup (cube into bite-sized pieces)
Macaroni
6 cups (cooked until al dente)
Instructions
1
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Miracle Whip, mustard, relish or chopped pickles, celery seed, finely chopped purple onion, pineapple chunks, and cubed havarti cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Once the macaroni has cooled, gently fold it into the dressing mixture until everything is well combined.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
After refrigeration, remove the salad from the fridge and give it a gentle stir. If the salad appears too dry, feel free to add a bit more Miracle Whip to reach your desired creaminess.
6
Transfer the salad to a presentation bowl. Garnish if desired and enjoy this delightful Tropical Hawaiian Macaroni Salad!
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
22g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?
This salad is a creamy pasta dish that captures the essence of a luau with a blend of sweet pineapple, savory havarti cheese, and a tangy dressing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe: Miracle Whip, mustard, relish or pickles, celery seed, purple onion, pineapple chunks, havarti cheese, and macaroni.
How long should I let the salad chill before serving?
The secret to its incredible taste is letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 10 servings.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this macaroni salad?
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories.
What type of cheese is recommended for this Hawaiian salad?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cubed havarti cheese for a savory flavor profile.
What should I do if the salad seems too dry after refrigeration?
If the salad appears too dry after chilling, feel free to add a bit more Miracle Whip to reach your desired level of creaminess.
How should the macaroni be prepared?
The macaroni should be cooked according to the package instructions until al dente, then drained and rinsed with cold water.
Can I use pickles instead of relish?
Yes, you can use either 1/3 cup of relish or an equal amount of finely chopped pickles.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1/4 cup of finely chopped purple onion.
What are the nutritional values for fat and protein?
Each serving contains 12g of fat and 4g of protein.
How much pineapple is needed?
You will need 1 cup of pineapple chunks, which should be drained if you are using canned pineapple.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a staple at family gatherings and potlucks and is considered an ultimate crowd-pleaser.
How much Miracle Whip is used in the base dressing?
The recipe starts with 1/2 cup of Miracle Whip for the dressing mixture.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 22g of carbohydrates in each serving.
What type of mustard should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of mustard to add a tangy element to the dressing.
How much macaroni is required?
The recipe requires 6 cups of macaroni, measured after being cooked until al dente.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor is a delightful blend of sweet from the pineapple, savory from the havarti, and tangy from the dressing.
Are there any specific spices added to the dressing?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed is added to the dressing mixture for extra flavor.
How long does active preparation take?
This recipe is categorized under '< 30 Mins,' indicating quick active preparation time.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was originally created for the author's son's birthday party.
Does this recipe include any fiber or sugar data?
Currently, the specific values for fiber and sugar are not provided in the nutritional information.
How should I store the salad while it chills?
You should cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
Can I use fresh or canned pineapple?
You can use either, though the recipe notes to drain canned chunks if that is your preference.
What is the final step before serving?
Transfer the salad to a presentation bowl and garnish if desired before enjoying.
Is the dressing premade or homemade?
The dressing is a homemade mixture of Miracle Whip, mustard, relish, celery seed, and onion.
What is the texture of the macaroni?
The macaroni should be cooked to an al dente texture to maintain its structure in the salad.
Is this dish considered a main or side dish?
It is categorized as an easy side dish, perfect for parties and sunny days.
Should the macaroni be hot when mixed with the dressing?
No, the macaroni should be cooled completely after rinsing with cold water before being folded into the dressing.
How should the havarti cheese be prepared?
The havarti cheese should be cubed into bite-sized pieces before being added to the mixture.