Hawaiian Salad

Hawaiian Salad Recipe - A Taste of the Tropics

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hawaiian Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines pasta, vegetables, and a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for a summer picnic or as a side dish for a barbecue. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Hawaiian Salad has its roots in traditional Hawaiian cuisine, which is known for its use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This salad is a modern twist on classic macaroni salad, incorporating ingredients like peas, raisins, and a creamy dressing. It has become a popular dish at potlucks and gatherings, loved for its unique taste and vibrant colors.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of small elbow macaroni, uncooked
salt, as per pasta package directions
2 medium carrots
1 large stalk of celery
1 cup of fresh or frozen peas
0.5 tsp of sugar
0.25 cup of raisins
0.5 tsp of black pepper
0.5 tsp of paprika
0.75 cup of reduced-fat mayonnaise or miracle whip
2 eggs
Additional paprika for garnish

How to prepare

Hard boil the eggs by placing them in boiling water for a specific amount of time. Then, transfer the eggs to cold water to cool off, and crack the shells to make them easier to peel. Once cooled, peel and rinse the eggs.
Bring water to a boil, add salt, and cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the package.
Place the raisins in a heat-proof bowl and pour about 0.5 cup of the boiling water over them. Allow the raisins to soak and plump.
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside to thoroughly drain.
In the water used to cook the peas, add sugar and cook them in the microwave or on the stovetop until they are tender but not mushy. Then, drain the peas and the raisins.
Scrub and trim the carrots and celery, and finely shred them.
Immediately combine the shredded carrots and celery with the drained macaroni, mayonnaise, black pepper, and paprika. Gently stir to coat all the ingredients with mayonnaise.
Add the peas and raisins to the mixture and fold them in to combine.
Slice the hard-boiled eggs and distribute them on top of the salad. Sprinkle with paprika for garnish.
Cover the salad and chill it until ready to serve.
For additional notes and variations to turn this into a main dish, visit sneakykitchen.com.

Variations

Add diced pineapple or mango for a tropical twist.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the macaroni with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.

- Soaking the raisins in hot water helps to plump them up and make them juicier.

- Make sure to cook the peas until they are tender but still have a slight crunch to them.

- Chilling the salad before serving allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste.

Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with barbecue dishes or sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the eggs until they are hard-boiled.

- Cook the macaroni according to package directions.

- Cook the peas until tender but still slightly crunchy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat pasta instead of elbow macaroni.

- Substitute dried cranberries for raisins.

- Use a different type of vegetable, such as bell peppers or cucumbers.

Make Ahead Tips

Hawaiian Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color. Serve the salad in a decorative bowl or on a bed of lettuce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Hawaiian Salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. It also goes well with a side of fresh fruit or a light soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Hawaiian Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, let the salad come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hawaiian Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hawaiian Salad contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hawaiian Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Hawaiian Salad contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Hawaiian Salad is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Hawaiian Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying option for a meal or side dish.

Summary

Hawaiian Salad is a flavorful and colorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a creamy dressing, tender pasta, and a mix of vegetables, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a side or main course for a taste of the islands.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through a magazine at the local library. As I flipped through the pages, a colorful picture caught my eye - a vibrant Hawaiian Salad bursting with fresh tropical fruits and crunchy macadamia nuts. I could almost taste the tangy pineapple and creamy coconut dressing just by looking at the photo.

I quickly jotted down the ingredients and instructions, eager to try my hand at making this exotic dish. But as I read through the recipe, I realized that it was unlike anything I had ever made before. The combination of ingredients was unique and unfamiliar to me, and I knew I would have to put in some effort to track down some of the more exotic items.

Undeterred, I set out on a culinary adventure, determined to recreate the flavors of Hawaii in my own kitchen. I visited specialty stores and markets in search of fresh mangoes, papayas, and lychees. I sourced toasted coconut flakes and macadamia nuts from a local nut shop. And I even managed to find a bottle of coconut milk and some Hawaiian sea salt to give the dressing an authentic island flavor.

As I gathered all the ingredients together on my kitchen counter, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. This was going to be a true labor of love, a dish that would transport me to a tropical paradise with every bite.

I started by chopping up the fruits into bite-sized pieces, savoring the sweet fragrance of ripe pineapple and juicy papaya. The colors were so vibrant and inviting, like a rainbow on a plate. I tossed them together in a large bowl, adding in some fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness.

Next, I toasted the coconut flakes and macadamia nuts in a dry skillet until they were golden brown and fragrant. The nutty aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. I sprinkled the toasted nuts and coconut over the fruit salad, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Finally, I whisked together the coconut milk, lime juice, honey, and Hawaiian sea salt to create a creamy dressing that would tie all the flavors together. The tangy lime juice and sweet honey balanced perfectly with the rich coconut milk, creating a luscious sauce that coated the fruit salad in a velvety embrace.

As I took my first bite of the Hawaiian Salad, I closed my eyes and let the flavors wash over me. The sweet tropical fruits burst with juicy goodness, while the crunchy nuts and coconut added a satisfying texture. The creamy dressing brought everything together in a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

I couldn't help but smile as I savored each mouthful, feeling as though I had been transported to a sunny beach in Hawaii. The exotic ingredients had come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was as beautiful to look at as it was delicious to eat.

From that day on, the Hawaiian Salad became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I shared it with friends and family, who marveled at the exotic flavors and unique combination of ingredients. And every time I made it, I couldn't help but think back to that summer day in the library, when a simple magazine photo had sparked a culinary journey that would stay with me for a lifetime.