Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with Ham
A creamy, sweet, and savory Hawaiian macaroni salad featuring elbow macaroni, smoky ham, and pineapple tidbits, perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (200 grams) uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (150 grams) cooked ham, diced
- ½ cup pineapple tidbits, drained (fresh or canned)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste (start with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper)
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or dash of hot sauce
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200 g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain well in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon yellow mustard until smooth and fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add smoked paprika or hot sauce if desired.
- Dice 1 cup cooked ham into bite-sized cubes. Finely chop ½ cup celery and thinly slice 2 green onions. Drain ½ cup pineapple tidbits carefully.
- Add the diced ham, celery, green onions, and pineapple tidbits to the bowl with the cooled macaroni.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently fold everything together until well coated, being careful not to mash the pineapple.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (ideally 2-3 hours) to let flavors meld and chill thoroughly.
- Before serving, stir the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. If too thick, stir in a splash of milk or extra mayonnaise to loosen.
Notes
Rinse cooked macaroni under cold water to prevent mushiness. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning before serving. Optional smoked paprika or hot sauce adds warmth. For a thinner dressing, add a splash of milk or pineapple juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (200 gra
- Calories: 325
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Hawaiian macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, macaroni salad with ham, potluck recipes, easy side dish, pineapple macaroni salad