Sunny Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe Just Like Ono’s

Ono Hawaiian bbq macaroni salad dances with creamy magic on your plate, promising a flavor explosion that transcends ordinary pasta dishes.

Pacific island kitchens have long cherished this culinary gem as a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Elbow pasta becomes a silky canvas where tangy dressing weaves its delectable spell.

Generations of island cooks have perfected this recipe, transforming simple ingredients into a symphonic side dish.

Each forkful carries the warmth of tropical gatherings and backyard celebrations.

Loaded with rich, velvety goodness, this macaroni salad whispers stories of sunshine and shared meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients Used in Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad

• Macaroni: Choose smooth, firm pasta that holds dressing well without falling apart.
• Broth or Water: Select low-sodium options for controlled seasoning potential.

• Carrots: Pick vibrant orange, crisp carrots with smooth skin for sweet, snappy texture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Opt for raw, unfiltered variety that adds tangy brightness and depth.

• Mayonnaise, Milk, Sugar: Select full-fat mayo for rich consistency, whole milk for smoothness, and pure cane sugar for balanced sweetness.

• Garlic: Use fresh cloves for robust, zesty kick that elevates overall flavor profile.

Tools Checklist for Hawaiian Mac Salad

• Instant Pot Pressure Cooker: Perfect for quick, even pasta cooking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining pasta and dressing.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Colander: Drains pasta and rinses with cold water.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Knife: Needed for slicing carrots into slivers.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables.
• Refrigerator: Chills and marinates pasta salad.
• Spatula or Spoon: Helps toss and coat pasta with dressing.

How to Make BBQ Macaroni Salad the Ono Way

• Cook Pasta with Precision

Grab your Instant Pot and transform those noodles into pasta magic. Pour liquid halfway, spread pasta evenly, and hit high pressure for a quick 4-minute dance. Let it rest briefly, then release any lingering steam.

• Cool and Dress Your Creation

Splash cold water over your pasta to halt cooking, then welcome zesty carrots and tangy apple cider vinegar. Let everything chill and mingle in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to become best friends.

• Craft Silky Smooth Dressing

Blend mayonnaise, sugar, and milk into a dreamy sauce that’ll make taste buds sing. Whisk with love until everything becomes wonderfully smooth and inviting.

• Mix and Marinate

Pour your creamy dressing over the pasta, tossing gently to ensure every noodle gets a loving coat. Optional garlic adds an extra flavor punch. Slide into the refrigerator and let the magic happen for several hours or overnight.

• Serve and Savor

Pull out your chilled masterpiece and serve confidently. This crowd-pleasing dish works brilliantly as a side or light meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Adjustments for Ono’s Macaroni Salad

• Boost Pasta Perfection: Choose small elbow macaroni for ideal texture and easy eating.
• Customize Crunch: Add diced bell peppers or celery for extra crisp and nutritional boost.
• Maximize Marination: Let salad sit overnight to allow flavors to deeply blend and intensify.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Swap milk with almond or coconut milk for lighter, alternative dressing that keeps creamy consistency.

Serving Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad

• Pair with Picnic Perfection: Bring this tangy macaroni salad to outdoor gatherings, summer barbecues, and potluck parties where cool, refreshing dishes shine.
• Create Protein Power: Top with grilled chicken strips, diced ham, or crumbled bacon to transform the salad into a complete and satisfying main course.
• Garnish with Garden Fresh: Sprinkle chopped chives, parsley, or dill on top for added color, texture, and a burst of herbal brightness that complements the creamy dressing.
• Customize Crunch Factor: Mix in diced celery, red onions, or bell peppers to introduce extra crispness and provide delightful textural contrast to the soft pasta.

Storage Tips for Ono BBQ Mac Salad

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• -Prep Ahead Strategy: Whip up this macaroni salad 1 day before serving to enhance flavor development and save precious time during meal preparation.
• -Refrigeration Rules: Store salad in an airtight container, keeping it consistently chilled at 40°F or below to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
• -Portion Control Technique: Divide salad into smaller meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick side dish options throughout the week.
• -Freshness Extension Hack: Gently stir in an extra tablespoon of milk before serving to revive texture and restore creamy consistency if salad seems slightly dry after refrigeration.

Authentic Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 7 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hawaiian mac salad from Ono requires simple ingredients and delivers authentic Pacific island flavor. Home cooks can quickly mix creamy dressings and tender pasta to create a classic side dish you’ll enjoy alongside grilled meats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) macaroni pasta
• 2 ½ cups (600 ml) water or broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 carrot, slivered (about ¼ cup)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) milk
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar
• 1 tsp crushed garlic (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook macaroni in an Instant Pot pressure cooker filled halfway with water or broth. Secure lid, set to high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a 4-minute natural release and quick release of remaining pressure.
2. Cooling and Marinating: Drain pasta, rinse with cold water, and combine with thinly sliced carrots. Drizzle apple cider vinegar over the mixture, then refrigerate for 1 hour to chill and meld flavors.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, sugar, and milk in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Optional minced garlic can be incorporated for additional depth.
4. Final Assembly: Remove chilled pasta from refrigerator, pour creamy dressing over pasta and carrots. Gently toss to ensure even coating. If mixture appears dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve desired consistency.
5. Serving: Cover and return to refrigerator, allowing salad to marinate for 4 hours or overnight. Serve thoroughly chilled to maximize flavor and texture.

Notes

• Chill for Flavor Infusion: Refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow ingredients to develop a rich, harmonious taste profile.
• Master the Pasta Texture: Avoid overcooking by using the Instant Pot method and immediately rinsing with cold water to prevent mushy macaroni.
• Customize Creaminess: Adjust the dressing consistency by adding extra milk if the salad appears too dry, ensuring a perfectly smooth and creamy texture.
• Boost Optional Flavor: Experiment with minced garlic for an extra depth of taste that complements the classic Hawaiian-style macaroni salad.

• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg