Big Island Macaroni Salad

Need some island flair at your next barbecue? Hawaiian macaroni salad is a tradition on the “Big Island.” Serve it at your next outdoor event and feel the tropical breeze!

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Step 1 - Gather Ingredients

2 cups whole milk (1 & 1/2 cup at first and 1/2 cup set aside for later)
2 cups mayonaise (divided like milk)
1 pound Southern Home elbow macaroni
1 tbsp. brown sugar
salt and pepper
1/2 cup cider vinegar
4 green onions, sliced thinly
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 large carrot, grated or julienne

Step 2 - Cook Pasta

Cook the macaroni. Bring enough water to a boil in large pot. Cook pasta until extremely soft - better to be overcooked than under - around 15 mins. Drain pasta and return to pot. Pour in vinegar and toss until it is absorbed. Set aside to cool (about 10 mins.).

Step 3 - Make a Dressing

Make the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk 1 & 1/2 cups milk, 1 & 1/2 cups mayonnaise, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt and 2 tsp. black pepper. Add pasta and toss until well-coated. Allow to continue cooling.

Step 4 - Final

Add carrots, celery, green onions along with the remaining 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. Stir to combine all and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or overnight before serving.