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Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe with Ham and Sweet Pickles

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A creamy and flavorful macaroni salad featuring diced ham and sweet pickles, perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. This recipe balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors for a refreshing and satisfying side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 200g) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup diced cooked ham (about 150g)
  • ½ cup chopped sweet pickles (around 120ml)
  • ¾ cup (180ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) honey
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup finely diced celery (about 50g)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts (about 3.8 liters) of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (200g) elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let it drain completely to avoid watery salad.
  2. While pasta cooks, dice 1 cup ham, chop ½ cup sweet pickles, finely dice ½ cup celery, and slice 2 green onions. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Add the drained macaroni, ham, pickles, celery, and green onions to the bowl with dressing. Gently fold everything together until the macaroni is evenly coated. Be gentle to keep the pasta intact.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to let flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, add an extra splash of vinegar to brighten the flavor.

Notes

Rinse macaroni after boiling to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Chill salad for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. Fold ingredients gently to avoid breaking pasta. Adjust dressing seasoning to taste. Variations include vegetarian, low-carb, spicy, and dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, Hawaiian macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, ham macaroni salad, sweet pickles, summer salad, picnic salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/creamy-hawaiian-macaroni-salad-recipe-with-ham-and-sweet-pickles-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/