Craving a delicious and easy side dish that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this L&L Mac Salad recipe! This creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet macaroni salad is a staple of Hawaiian cuisine, and for good reason. It's the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, luau feasts, or even a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe delivers all the authentic L&L flavors you crave, made easily from the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to experience a taste of paradise!
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily scalable to serve more or fewer people. Just remember to keep the ratios the same!
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise (best quality you can find!)
- 1/2 cup sugar (granulated)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
Instructions:
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Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool completely. This step is crucial for a good texture.
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Whisk the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni, celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure all the macaroni is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break the macaroni.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. This allows the flavors to deepen, resulting in a more delicious mac salad. Serve cold and enjoy!
Tips for the Best L&L Mac Salad:
- Use high-quality mayonnaise: The mayonnaise is the base of the dressing, so using a good quality mayonnaise will make a big difference in the flavor of your mac salad.
- Don't overcook the macaroni: Overcooked macaroni will become mushy and ruin the texture of your salad. Aim for al dente.
- Chill thoroughly: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to develop and enhances the overall taste.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar, vinegar, or mustard to suit your preferences.
Variations:
- Add some crunch: For added texture, consider adding chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even some crispy bacon bits.
- Spice it up: A dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce can add a nice kick.
- Make it healthier: Use Greek yogurt instead of some of the mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This L&L Mac Salad recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious addition to any meal. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weeknight dinner, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of the islands!