What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Bright Ideas: Hawaiian Mac Salad! Some things get a reputation for being “island food”. This is one of them. It was created out of economic necessity, just as SPAM® became a household staple. Both survived due to their lack of being perishable in a tropical climate as well as being tasty and affordable. The flavor of this Mac salad is so unique, it continues to remain a constant plate lunch for workers, surfers, schools, and just about anyone. Check out fish markets, food trucks, roadside stands, diners, and grocery store delis. Hawaiian Mac Salad pairs beautifully with fresh fish and a scoop of white rice. Now you can make it yourself without the cost of a plane ticket to the Hawaiian Islands.
HAWAIIAN MAC SALAD
Ingredients:
8 ounces macaroni pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 stalk celery, diced
1 large carrot, grated
1/4 cup sweet onion, diced
Green onion snips, for garnish
Instructions:
Boil the macaroni in lightly salted water. Cook al dente; one minute less than package directions. Drain the macaroni and rinse with cold water. Set aside. For the sauce, in a large bowl combine the mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Add the cooked macaroni, diced celery, grated carrots, and diced onions. Gently stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Toss before serving. Garnish with green onion snips.
I had ot in Hawaii. Still didn’t like it. Buuuut… I once made “spam cake” (spam replaces the oil/fat) and it was a major hit at work! You can’t taste the spam at all but I think the sakt in it enhances the selected cake flavor.
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Now that’s a cake I never heard of, or tasted, for that matter. 😜🌿🍰
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It was a 50s recipe – probably posted by Charles Phoenix (if you don’t already know of him, look him up)
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Thanks, I’ll check it out. 👏
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The salad looks inviting and I think I will like it! Thank you, Gail!
Joanna
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Wonderful, Joanna. I find it a nice change of pace. 😋🌿
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Yes, Gail, and it has an interesting combination of ingredients.
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I’m doing the hula as I write…
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I can hear your grass skirt swishing. 🌴🌺🎶
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I’m all in! 😃
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Kick off your shoes, Syl, and dance in bare feet! 🎶
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I’m feeling it! 🎶🎶
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Yum, sounds very good!
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I liked the Hawaiian twist. 🌴🌺
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I see!!
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This sounds fantastic!
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Oh, it’s good! 😜🍃😋
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I haven’t had a pasta salad in ages.
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Perhaps it’s time for a “taste of Hawaii”. 🌴🌺🌿
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