Quick & Tasty Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe

Ono Hawaiian’s BBQ macaroni salad represents the ultimate comfort food with its signature creamy texture and tangy undertones.

Pacific island cuisine celebrates this delightful side dish as a staple at gatherings and potlucks.

Hearty elbow pasta forms the perfect canvas for rich, velvety dressing that binds each ingredient together.

Hawaiian-style preparation transforms ordinary pasta into an extraordinary culinary experience that tingles taste buds with complex flavors.

The magic lies in selecting quality ingredients and understanding subtle techniques that elevate this classic recipe.

Creamy, zesty, and deeply satisfying, this macaroni salad brings unexpected depth to any meal or barbecue spread.

Bold yet simple, the dish promises to become a fast favorite among friends and family: dive in and savor every delicious bite.

New Takes on the Hawaiian BBQ Mac Salad

• Protein Power Punch: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or diced ham to transform the classic mac salad into a hearty protein-packed meal that feels substantial and satisfying.
• Spicy Island Edition: Mix in diced jalapeños, sriracha sauce, or red pepper flakes for a fiery Hawaiian-inspired kick that brings extra excitement to the traditional recipe.
• Veggie Lover's Version: Incorporate diced bell peppers, green onions, and cucumber to boost nutritional value and add crisp texture that complements the creamy mayonnaise base.
• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Style: Replace traditional macaroni with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the authentic flavor profile of the original recipe.

Wrap-Up of This Tropical Pasta Favorite

Hawaiian comfort embraces classic macaroni salad with Ono’s signature charm.

Creamy textures meld with sweet-tangy notes, creating island-inspired magic.

Carrot slivers add delightful crunch alongside smooth mayonnaise blends.

Chilled perfection waits patiently in refrigerated depths, promising authentic Hawaiian flavors.

Seasonal gatherings welcome this delectable side dish with open arms.

Culinary adventurers, share this tropical sensation across social networks, sparking delicious conversations and inspiring kitchen creativity.

Why Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Is a Crowd Favorite

• Speed Up Cooking: Utilize the Instant Pot to dramatically reduce cooking time, making this macaroni salad a quick and efficient dish perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Burst Technique: Marinate the pasta with apple cider vinegar and carrots creates a tangy, vibrant base that elevates the traditional macaroni salad, introducing unexpected depth and zesty notes that dance on your taste buds.
• Hawaiian-Style Comfort: Embrace the classic Hawaiian BBQ side dish tradition with this creamy, rich macaroni salad that offers a perfect blend of comfort food and refreshing ingredients, making it an ideal companion for grilled meats and summer gatherings.
• Flexible Preparation: Design a make-ahead friendly recipe that actually improves in flavor when left to chill for 4 hours or overnight, allowing busy cooks to prepare the dish in advance and let the flavors meld beautifully without last-minute stress.

What You Need to Make the Island-Inspired Side

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for Hawaiian-style salads, holds dressing well.
• Spaghetti: Alternative pasta option with similar texture and absorption capabilities.

• Carrots: Adds sweet crunch and bright color to the salad, slivered for visual appeal.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides rich, smooth texture to the salad.
• Milk: Helps thin and blend the dressing for even coating.
• Sugar: Balances the tangy and creamy flavors of the salad.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and helps marinate the pasta.
• Garlic: Optional ingredient for extra flavor depth and aromatic profile.

How to Make This Creamy Macaroni Dish

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Cook macaroni in an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker. Fill halfway with water or broth. Spread pasta evenly at the bottom. Set to Manual (Pressure Cook) high for 4 minutes. Allow 4-minute Natural Release, then quick release remaining pressure.

Step 2: Cool and Rinse Pasta

Drain pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking process.

Step 3: Add Vinegar and Carrots

• Slivered carrots
• Apple Cider Vinegar

Refrigerate for 1 hour to chill and marinate.

Step 4: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sugar
• Milk

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Pour dressing over cooled pasta. Add optional garlic if desired. Toss everything to coat evenly.

Step 6: Marinate

Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. If mixture seems dry, add 1-of milk to adjust consistency.

Step 7: Serve Chilled

Serve macaroni salad cold for best flavor and texture. Enjoy as a side dish or light meal.

Tips to Keep the Texture Just Right

• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad overnight to allow ingredients to mingle and intensify their delicious Hawaiian-style taste.
• Customize Crunch Levels: Experiment with extra vegetables like diced carrots or crisp celery for added texture and personal flair.
• Balance Creamy Consistency: Adjust mayonnaise and milk ratios to create your perfect smooth, dreamy texture.
• Stop Pasta Mushiness: Rinse cooked macaroni with cold water immediately to halt cooking and preserve ideal al dente texture.
• Elevate with Tangy Touch: Splash apple cider vinegar to brighten flavors and tenderize pasta for an authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad experience.

How to Store and Serve It Cold

• Cool Container Method: Transfer macaroni salad into a sealed glass or hard plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure container creates an airtight seal to prevent moisture loss and maintain salad's creamy texture.
• Strategic Placement Method: Position container on the bottom shelf of refrigerator to keep consistently cold. Refrigeration temperature should remain steady between 35-40°F, protecting salad's fresh ingredients and preventing bacterial growth.
• Quick Consumption Method: Consume macaroni salad within 2-3 days for optimal taste and quality. Check for any signs of spoilage like unusual odor, discoloration, or separation before serving. Stir gently before each serving to redistribute dressing and restore original creamy consistency.

Ono Hawaiian Bbq Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 7 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hawaiian-style macaroni salad brings island comfort to your plate with creamy, tangy goodness. Shredded carrots and rich mayo blend perfectly, creating a classic side dish that transports taste buds to Pacific paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) macaroni pasta
• 1 carrot, slivered (about ¼ cup)
• 2 ½ cups (600 milliliters) water or broth

Creamy Components:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sugar

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker by filling it halfway with water or broth, ensuring the macaroni is evenly spread across the bottom.
2. Secure the lid and set the pressure cooker to Manual (Pressure Cook) on high for 4 minutes, followed by a 4-minute Natural Release (NR) and a quick release (QR) of remaining pressure.
3. Carefully drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Slice carrots into thin slivers and combine with the cooled pasta, drizzling Apple Cider Vinegar over the mixture.
5. Refrigerate the pasta and carrot mixture for 1 hour to chill and allow flavors to meld.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, and milk until smooth and well-combined.
7. Remove the chilled pasta from the refrigerator and pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and carrots.
8. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure even coating, incorporating optional minced garlic if desired.
9. Cover and return the macaroni salad to the refrigerator, allowing it to marinate for 4 hours or overnight.
10. If the salad seems too dry, adjust the consistency by adding 1-2 additional tablespoons of milk.
11. Serve the Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad thoroughly chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Unlock the magic of Hawaiian-style comfort with this creamy macaroni salad that transports your taste buds to tropical paradise.
• Customize the dressing’s consistency by gradually adding milk, creating a personalized texture that suits your preference.
• Break traditional boundaries with an optional garlic boost that transforms the salad’s flavor profile into a more complex culinary experience.
• Maximize convenience by using the Instant Pot method, ensuring perfectly cooked pasta with minimal kitchen effort.
• Infuse subtle brightness through apple cider vinegar, cutting through rich mayonnaise and delivering a balanced, tangy undertone.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 399 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg