Name: Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 Cups Elbow macaroni; 1 Cup Mayonnaise; ¼ Cup Whole milk; 1 Tablespoon Brown sugar; 2 Tablespoons Apple cider vinegar; ½ Teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ Teaspoon Salt; ¼ Teaspoon Black pepper; ¼ Cup Grated carrot; ¼ Cup Finely diced yellow onion; ¼ Cup Finely diced celery; 2 Tablespoons Finely chopped green onions

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A Cozy Makings of Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad

Ah, the warm embrace of a creamy macaroni salad—there’s something undeniably special about it, isn’t there? It whisks me back to sunny afternoons spent with family, the BBQ smoke dancing through the air, and laughter echoing in the backyard. One dish that truly captures that nostalgic feeling is Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad. With its tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety, tangy dressing, it’s the ideal side dish for any gathering. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends, this salad brings everyone together in comfort and flavor. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Creamy and Dreamy: The luscious dressing adds a heartwarming touch that everyone craves.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the flavors, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for picnics, BBQs, or potlucks—this salad always disappears fast!
Customizable: Make it your own by adding herbs, proteins, or fun mix-ins for a personal twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad

Gather these simple ingredients to bring this delicious salad to life:

2 Cups Elbow macaroni
1 Cup Mayonnaise
¼ Cup Whole milk
1 Tablespoon Brown sugar
2 Tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
½ Teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ Teaspoon Salt
¼ Teaspoon Black pepper
¼ Cup Grated carrot
¼ Cup Finely diced yellow onion
¼ Cup Finely diced celery
2 Tablespoons Finely chopped green onions

How to Make Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad

Let’s make it together and create a dish that wraps you in warmth!

Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and let it cool to room temperature.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, whole milk, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, grated carrot, diced onion, diced celery, and chopped green onions.
Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni mixture. Gently toss until the macaroni and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Once chilled, give the macaroni salad a final toss and serve. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.

Fun Ways to Customize It

Feel free to sprinkle your own creativity into this classic dish:

Add Protein: Toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken or diced turkey bacon for a heartier salad.
Spice it Up: A sprinkle of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce can give your salad a delicious kick!
Herb Infusion: Chopped parsley or cilantro brings a fresh, herbal note that elevates the flavors.
Different Veggies: Try adding bell peppers, sweet peas, or even zucchini for a crisp twist.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Here are some of my best kitchen secrets to ensure your macaroni salad turns out superbly:

Make-Ahead Magic: This salad can be made a day in advance! Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to develop even more flavors.
Ingredient Swaps: Low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt can replace regular mayonnaise for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving!

Nutrition Information per Serving

Here’s a quick look at what’s in your delicious creation:

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 300
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 20g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 350mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to customize the veggies or the type of dressing to suit your tastes.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
The salad is best enjoyed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

A Cozy Closing Note

As the summer sun starts to fade, there’s no better way to bring people together than with a helping of Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad. It’s a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and tangy that any gathering—or quiet night at home—deserves. So save this Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Can’t wait to hear what you think when you whip this up!