Craving a taste of the islands? Forget the plane ticket – we're bringing the vibrant flavors of Hawaii right to your kitchen with this irresistible L&L Hawaiian BBQ Mac Salad recipe. This isn't your grandma's macaroni salad; it's a creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet masterpiece perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and easy weeknight dinner side. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple yet delicious dish.
Ingredients: A Blend of Sweet and Savory
This recipe yields about 6 servings of this amazing side dish, perfect for sharing!
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped sweet pickle relish (optional, but highly recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: Easy Steps to Island Flavor
Let's get cooking! This recipe is a breeze, even for beginner cooks.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and yellow mustard until well combined. The sugar dissolves easily with a little elbow grease.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni, chopped onion, celery, green onions, and sweet pickle relish (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. Make sure the macaroni is fully coated.
- Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a truly delicious mac salad. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Mac Salad Perfection
- Don't overcook the macaroni: Overcooked macaroni will become mushy and ruin the texture of your salad. Aim for al dente.
- Use good quality mayonnaise: The mayonnaise is the base of the dressing, so using a good quality brand will make a difference in the overall flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet mac salad, reduce the amount of sugar. Conversely, add a little more if you have a sweeter tooth.
- Add some crunch: For extra texture, consider adding chopped bell peppers or toasted sesame seeds.
Variations: Explore the Flavors of Hawaii
- Spicy Mac Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Pineapple Mac Salad: Incorporate 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Bacon Mac Salad: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, savory element that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy dressing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 4g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This L&L Hawaiian BBQ Mac Salad is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Its simple preparation, delightful flavors, and versatility make it a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy!