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Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Pineapple and Ham

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A creamy and fruity macaroni salad featuring sweet pineapple and smoky ham, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. This easy recipe balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors with a luscious mayo-based dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 cup diced cooked ham
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup grated carrot (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to drain completely (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey until smooth and combined. If desired, stir in 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
  3. Fold in 1 cup drained pineapple chunks, 1 cup diced cooked ham, 1/2 cup finely chopped celery, 1/4 cup grated carrot, and 2 thinly sliced green onions.
  4. Gently fold the cooked and cooled macaroni into the bowl with the dressing and mix-ins. Toss carefully until every bite is coated in the creamy dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Use elbow macaroni cooked al dente to avoid mushy salad. Drain pineapple well to prevent watery dressing. Chill salad for at least 1 hour for best flavor. Stir gently to keep pasta texture intact. For dairy-free, use vegan mayonnaise and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, Hawaiian salad, creamy salad, pineapple salad, ham salad, easy macaroni salad, potluck recipe, summer salad

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/creamy-hawaiian-macaroni-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-pineapple-and-ham/