Best 4 Polynesian Inspired Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Pacific Islands with our Polynesian-inspired macaroni salad. This vibrant dish tantalizes taste buds with a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. A delightful fusion of textures awaits, from the tender macaroni to the crisp vegetables and the juicy pineapple.

Our curated collection of recipes offers a diverse range of options to cater to every palate. Dive into the classic Hawaiian macaroni salad, a beloved side dish bursting with tropical flavors. Its creamy mayonnaise dressing, enriched with pineapple juice and tangy vinegar, perfectly complements the cooked macaroni, crunchy celery, and sweet carrots.

For a more adventurous twist, explore our spicy Korean macaroni salad. This delectable dish incorporates the bold flavors of gochujang paste, a fermented chili pepper sauce, lending a vibrant red hue and a delightful kick. The combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy elements creates an unforgettable culinary experience.

If you prefer a lighter option, our Japanese macaroni salad is a refreshing choice. Its delicate dressing, made with rice vinegar and mayonnaise, offers a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the macaroni, crisp cucumber, and red onion. This salad is a perfect accompaniment to grilled dishes or as a light lunch on a warm summer day.

For those who crave a creamy and cheesy indulgence, our American macaroni salad is a must-try. A rich and velvety dressing, crafted from mayonnaise, mustard, and sharp cheddar cheese, generously coats the macaroni, creating a symphony of flavors. Diced celery, onion, and hard-boiled eggs add a delightful crunch and savory depth to this classic salad.

No matter your taste preferences, our Polynesian-inspired macaroni salad collection has something to offer. From the tropical flair of the Hawaiian salad to the spicy heat of the Korean version, the refreshing lightness of the Japanese salad to the cheesy indulgence of the American classic, these recipes promise an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

HAWAIIAN MACARONI SALAD



Hawaiian Macaroni Salad image

Mac Salad (also called Macaroni Salad or Hawaiian Macaroni Salad) is a popular side dish in Hawaii. This is a classic version that is easy to make with pantry staples. It is onolicious and endlessly adaptable. Enjoy it as a side dish or part of a plate lunch!

Provided by Kathy YL Chan

Categories     Hawaii Recipes

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/4 pound dried elbow macaroni pasta
1/2 cup Best Foods mayonnaise
1/4 cup onion, grated
1/4 cup carrots, shredded
1/4 cup celery, finely diced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook the elbow macaroni pasta for 1-2 minutes more than the cook time listed on the package. Drain and set aside.
  • Place the elbow macaroni in a bowl and mix in the mayonnaise, grated onions, shredded carrots, finely diced celery, salt, and pepper.
  • Refrigerate the dish at least an hour - this allows the flavors to mix. Serve slightly chilled (remove from the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving) as a side dish. Enjoy!

POLYNESIAN-INSPIRED MACARONI SALAD



Polynesian-Inspired Macaroni Salad image

I have always loved SPAM, so I decided to combine it with pineapple to make this Polynesian-inspired macaroni salad recipe. It reminds me of vacationing in Hawaii. -Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 can (12 ounces) regular or teriyaki SPAM, cubed
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened pineapple tidbits, drained
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
4 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook Spam until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Cool completely., For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine pineapple, red pepper, water chestnuts, cooled Spam and macaroni. Add dressing; gently toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Top with green onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 351 calories, Fat 27g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 655mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

HAWAIIAN MACARONI SALAD



Hawaiian Macaroni Salad image

Simple and tasty macaroni salad just like you'd get at a Hawaiian restaurant. No fruit in this salad, just macaroni, carrot, and dressing. Very yummy and easy to make.

Provided by Jessica Daulton

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 2h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups mayonnaise, or more to taste
½ cup milk
½ cup shredded carrot
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Combine the macaroni, mayonnaise, milk, and carrot in a large bowl; mix until macaroni is well coated. Add more mayonnaise for a wetter consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 465 calories, Carbohydrate 41.3 g, Cholesterol 14.7 mg, Fat 30.1 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 7.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 231.7 mg, Sugar 2.5 g

HAWAIIAN MACARONI SALAD



Hawaiian Macaroni Salad image

I had to figure out how to make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad at home because my husband was getting tired of ordering enough for our whole family from a local restaurant. Sometimes I use green onions and serve the salad with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. -Blaine Kahle, Florence, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup 2% milk
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 large carrot, grated
1 celery rib, finely chopped, optional
2 tablespoons grated onion
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Chopped green onions, optional

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely., For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk next 9 ingredients. Add pasta to a large serving bowl. Add dressing; gently toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. If desired, garnish with green onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 464 calories, Fat 33g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 353mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs, and use a good-quality mayonnaise.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni. Cook it al dente so that it still has a slight bite to it.
  • Chill the macaroni salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Garnish the macaroni salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or chives, before serving.
  • Serve the macaroni salad as a side dish or main course. It's also great for potlucks and picnics.

Conclusion:

Polynesian-inspired macaroni salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be customized to your own liking. So next time you're looking for a new side dish or main course, give Polynesian-inspired macaroni salad a try!

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