When it comes to beloved comfort foods, Hawaiian Mac Salad holds a special place in many hearts. This delightful dish is a creamy and tangy twist on traditional macaroni salad. By utilizing the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can whip up a batch of this Hawaiian favorite in no time.
What Makes This Macaroni Salad So Great?
- Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your Instant Pot.
- Easy. Cook the noodles, create the dressing, and toss them together to create a tasty macaroni salad.
- Versatile. Create the perfect combination of flavors using my suggestions below.
- Delicious. Creamy, crunchy, slightly sweet, and tangy, you’ll love the combination of flavors in this side dish.
With the help of the Instant Pot, making a delicious Hawaiian Mac Salad has never been easier. This creamy and flavorful side dish captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine.
Why Does Hawaiian Mac Salad Taste Different?
The combination of the creamy dressing, the mild sweetness from pineapple carrots, the savory elements of onion, and the balanced seasoning gives Hawaiian Mac Salad its distinct and delicious taste.
These unique flavor components come together to create a macaroni salad that is cherished and loved for its tropical and refreshing flavor profile.
Why Is Macaroni Salad A Thing In Hawaii?
The popularity of macaroni salad in Hawaii can be attributed to a combination of cultural influences, the plate lunch culture, the local climate, and the adaptation and localization of the dish.
It has become an integral part of Hawaiian cuisine, showcasing the unique fusion of flavors and traditions that make the islands’ food scene so vibrant and diverse.
Is There A Difference Between Macaroni Salad And Pasta Salad?
The terms “macaroni salad” and “pasta salad” can be used differently in different regions and culinary contexts. Some may use the terms interchangeably, while others may have specific definitions for each.
Ultimately, the main difference lies in the pasta type, dressing, and overall flavor profiles, but there can be overlap and variations depending on personal preferences and regional traditions.
What Is Hawaiian Salad Made Of?
- Elbow macaroni
- Mayonnaise
- Diced ham
- Pineapple
- White vinegar
- Half and Half
- Brown Sugar
- Carrots
- Green Onion
- Onion
- Salt and pepper
How To Make Hawaiian Mac Salad
Cook the Macaroni
- Pour water into the Instant Pot.
- Add the macaroni to the Instant Pot liner and stir.
- Close the Instant Pot lid.
- Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release.
- Carefully drain the water from the cooked macaroni.
Prepare the Dressing
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, half and half, white vinegar, and brown sugar. Whisk until well blended.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with grated carrots, chopped onion, green onions, diced ham, and pineapple. Mix well until coated.
Combine and Chill
- Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the dressing and vegetable mixture.
- Gently stir the macaroni until it is well coated with the dressing and the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Enjoy
- Give the macaroni salad a final stir before serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy and flavorful Hawaiian Mac Salad.
Tips And Tricks
- Adjust the dressing consistency . If you prefer a creamier macaroni salad, add a little more mayonnaise or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt to the dressing. Alternatively, if you like it tangier, increase the amount of vinegar.
- Make it ahead of time . Hawaiian Mac Salad tastes even better when allowed to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This makes it a great dish to prepare ahead of time for picnics, potlucks, or gatherings.
Variations
- Customize the vegetables. Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on your preferences. You can add diced celery, shredded cabbage, or even sliced radishes for an extra crunch.
- Sriracha Mayo Dressing. For those who love a touch of spiciness and creaminess, swap out the traditional dressing with a combination of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your desired level of heat.
Feel free to experiment with these variations or create your own by incorporating your favorite ingredients. Hawaiian Mac Salad is so versatile and easy to customize to pair with a ton of different dishes.
What To Serve With It
- Barbecue Favorites - Hawaiian Mac Salad is a classic side dish at barbecues. It pairs exceptionally well with dishes like barbecue ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled sausages. The creamy texture of the salad helps balance out the rich and smoky flavors of the barbecue.
- Hawaiian-Inspired Dishes - Embrace the Hawaiian theme by serving your mac salad alongside Hawaiian specialties like Kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, or grilled pineapple skewers. These dishes will enhance the tropical vibes and create a cohesive menu.
- Seafood Delights - Seafood dishes harmonize beautifully with Hawaiian Mac Salad. Consider serving it with grilled or baked fish, seared scallops, or even a seafood stir-fry. The combination of the fresh seafood and the creamy mac salad will leave you craving for more.
How Long Does It Last?
Hawaiian Mac Salad can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it’s important to note that the texture and taste may slightly change over time. The macaroni may absorb some of the dressing, causing the salad to become denser. Additionally, the vegetables may lose some of their crunchiness.
To maintain the best quality, it’s recommended to consume the mac salad within the first few days of making it.
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
- Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
Hawaiian Mac Salad | Instant Pot Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 16 ounces macaroni noodles
- ▢ 2 cups Mayonnaise
- ▢ 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- ▢ 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- ▢ 1/4 cup Green Onions
- ▢ 1/4 cup Carrots
- ▢ 1/2 cup pineapple
- ▢ 1/2 cup Diced Ham
- ▢ 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- ▢ 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1 tsp Pepper
- ▢ 1 1/2 cup Half and Half
Instructions
Cook the Macaroni
- Pour water into the Instant Pot.
- Add the macaroni to the Instant Pot liner and stir.
- Close the Instant Pot lid.
- Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release.
- Carefully drain the water from the cooked macaroni.
Prepare the Dressing
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, half and half, white vinegar, and brown sugar. Whisk until well blended.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with grated carrots, chopped onion, green onions, diced ham, and pineapple. Mix well until coated.
Combine and Chill
- Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the dressing and vegetable mixture.
- Gently stir the macaroni until it is well coated with the dressing and the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Hawaiian Mac Salad | Instant Pot Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces macaroni noodles
- 2 cups Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/4 cup Green Onions
- 1/4 cup Carrots
- 1/2 cup pineapple
- 1/2 cup Diced Ham
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 1/2 cup Half and Half
Instructions
Cook the Macaroni
- Pour water into the Instant Pot.
- Add the macaroni to the Instant Pot liner and stir.
- Close the Instant Pot lid.
- Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release.
- Carefully drain the water from the cooked macaroni.
Prepare the Dressing
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, half and half, white vinegar, and brown sugar. Whisk until well blended.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with grated carrots, chopped onion, green onions, diced ham, and pineapple. Mix well until coated.
Combine and Chill
- Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the dressing and vegetable mixture.
- Gently stir the macaroni until it is well coated with the dressing and the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Hawaiian Mac Salad | Instant Pot Macaroni Salad Recipe https://twosleevers.com/hawaiian-mac-salad/
If you’ve never had stuffed tomatoes, you’re in for a treat! My keto stuffed tomatoes recipe is filled with spinach and cheese, but there are so many variations below, too.
Why Should I Try These Keto Stuffed Tomatoes?
- Delicious. First and foremost, these are mouth-watering bites of deliciousness that you’re going to want to make again and again.
- Simple. Realistically, these are so simple to make. Picture a perfectly cooked tomato with all the goodness of whatever you want to fill it with and that’s a stuffed tomato.
- Variations. There are so many ways to fill a stuffed tomato. I’m currently obsessed with this spinach and cheese stuffed tomato recipe, but there are plenty of other options I will give you for inspiration below!
How Do I Know if My Tomato is Cooked Thoroughly?
The best way to tell, and the method I use, is to look at the tomato. The outside skin should wrinkle, and the tomato will barely hold its shape when cooked properly.
Are Stuffed Tomatoes Keto?
Believe it or not, this recipe is low carb! Most of the time stuffed tomato recipes call for breadcrumbs, which makes them high in carbs. My spinach and cheese recipe doesn’t need breadcrumbs and is also delicious!
Any of the variations with meats and cheeses also make low carb stuffed tomatoes. Many of them are great make-ahead meals and make easy keto lunches.
WIth any of my additional variations listed, use caution on the carb count, but the spinach and cheese version is perfectly keto-friendly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients you’ll need are determined by which variation you want to make. For my basic version, this is what you’ll need to get started:
- 4 ripe beefsteak tomatoes - These are the edible “shells”. You hollow them out and fill them. Beefsteaks are great because they’re big, sturdy, and hold their shape when baked.
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper - Adds warm, sharp spice that keeps the filling from tasting flat, especially important with creamy cheese and spinach.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt - Boosts overall flavor and helps the filling taste “complete.” It also brings out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry - The main vegetable bulk of the filling. Squeezing it dry is key so your stuffing doesn’t turn watery and loosen.
- 5.2 oz garlic-and-herb Boursin cheese - The flavor + creamy base. It provides richness and already-seasoned garlic/herb notes, so the stuffing tastes full-on without extra work.
- 3 tablespoons sour cream - Adds extra creaminess and a slight tang, loosening the Boursin so the filling mixes smoothly and stays soft when baked.
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - Brings salty, nutty depth and helps the top brown nicely. It also firms up the filling a bit, so it holds together.
How Do You Make This Stuffed Tomato Recipe in the Oven?
- Prepare. Cut the tops off of the tomatoes. Using a small spoon, carefully remove and discard pulp. I like to mix it back in and use it because it’s delicious, but if you don’t like tomato innards you can toss them.
- Season. Season the insides of the tomatoes with ½ teaspoon of black pepper and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Invert the tomatoes onto paper towels and allow the tomatoes to drain while you make the filling.
- Filling . In a medium bowl, combine the spinach, Boursin cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper, and ¼ cup of the shredded parmesan. Stir until ingredients are well combined. Divide the mixture between the tomatoes.
- Cheese . Top tomatoes with the remaining ¼ cup shredded parmesan.
- Cook . Place the tomatoes in a small baking pan. Set the oven to 350°F for 30 minutes or until the filling is hot.
Can you make Stuffed Tomatoes in the Air Fryer?
Indeed, you can! I actually like them better in the air fryer since I think they cook a lot faster than in the oven .
- Prepare. Cut the tops off of the tomatoes. Using a small spoon, carefully remove and discard pulp.
- Season. Season the insides of the tomatoes with salt and black pepper. Invert the tomatoes onto paper towels and allow to drain while you make the filling.
- Filling. In a medium bowl , stir together the spinach, Boursin cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper, and shredded parmesan. Divide the mixture evenly between the tomatoes.
- Cheese. Top tomatoes with any additional parmesan.
- Cook . Place the tomatoes in the air-fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F for 15 minutes or until the filling is hot.
Tips And Tricks
Stuffed tomatoes are one of those simple dishes that can taste wildly fancy. That is, if you keep the tomatoes from getting watery and make the filling rich, punchy, and nicely browned
- Pick the right tomatoes (firm beats huge). Beefsteaks are perfect, but choose ones that feel heavy and firm, not squishy. Soft tomatoes collapse and leak.
- Salt the hollowed tomatoes and let them drain. After scooping, sprinkle the insides with a pinch of salt and place them cut-side down on paper towels for 10–15 minutes. This pulls out excess moisture so the filling stays creamy instead of soupy.
- Save a little tomato pulp (optional) and use it strategically. If your filling seems too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of the scooped pulp. Don’t dump it all in or you’ll waterlog the stuffing.
Variations To Try Out
If you’re not a fan of traditionally stuffed tomatoes or are looking to think outside of the box for your next favorite meal, check out one of these tasty variations to fit various dietary lifestyles:
Salad Stuffed Tomatoes
Cook the tomatoes first, and then add the salads afterward.
- Egg Salad - easy vegetarian stuffed tomato recipe. Use this egg hack to make the egg salad incredibly simple.
- Chicken Salad - my recipe is so creamy and simple!
- Tuna Salad - a classic combo you’re going to love!
Stuff With Cooked Meat
- Italian Sausage
- Grilled Chicken
- Taco Seasoned Meat
- Gyro Meat - you HAVE to try my recipe!
Grain Stuffed Tomatoes
- Cooked Rice - mix it with meat or veggies.
- Cooked Quinoa - seasoned to your liking.
- Farro Risotto - try this recipe for an awesome combo with the tomatoes.
- Barley and Lentil Pilaf - add cheese to make this even better!
- Wild Rice Pilaf
Enhance with Toppings
- Parmesan Cheese - broil for a minute to get the cheese nice and bubbly with a crisp on the edges!
- Bread Crumbs - flavored bread crumbs are awesome!
- Minced Basil and/or Parsley
- Toasted Pine Nuts
Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes
- Mozzarella Balls - place mozzarella balls inside the tomatoes to let them melt to perfection.
- Pepperjack Cheese - add a little heat to the dish.
- Add cheese to the spinach for a well-rounded dish like I did in this recipe.
What To Serve With Them?
Depending on which variation you choose, the options are nearly limitless.
If you’re choosing a vegetarian option, these are some of my favorite things to serve with them:
- Asparagus and Mushroom Stir Fry
- Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice
- Air Fryer Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Tofu
- Cajun Dirty Rice
For Keto options, choose one of these recipes:
- Pecan Chicken Tenders
- How To Make A Juicy Pork Chop
- How To Sous Vide Steak
Just want a delicious meal with some fresh tomatoes from your garden? Any of these dishes pair fantastically with these baked stuffed tomatoes:
- Instant Pot Green Beans with Bacon
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Cheesy Potatoes
How Long Do They Last?
Reheating tomatoes once they’re stuffed can be a slippery slope (literally) because the more the tomato is cooked and the longer the ingredients used to stuff them sit inside, the more watery the stuffed tomatoes will become.
For best results, try to make one of these stuffed tomato recipes fresh for a perfectly fresh and tasty bite.
Want More Delicious Tomato Recipes?
- Tomato Coconut Soup - this is one of my most popular recipes!
- Tomato Mayonnaise Shrimp - sounds weird, but trust me it’s amazing!
- Tomato Basil Scallops - incredibly light and fresh!
- Tomato Jam - a great way to use those garden fresh tomatoes.
- Tomato Pie - the perfect Southern-style side dish.
No matter which variation of these Stuffed tomatoes you choose, you’re going to love this recipe! Try it out in the Air Fryer , or use your oven if you need to - just make them. Pin this on Pinterest or share it on Facebook to save it.
Stuffed Tomatoes with Spinach and Cheese
Equipment
- Ninja Air Fryer
- Silicone Tongs
Ingredients
- ▢ 4 Tomatoes , ripe beefsteak
- ▢ 3/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ▢ 10 oz Frozen Spinach , thawed and squeezed dry
- ▢ 5.2 oz garlic-and-herb Boursin cheese
- ▢ 3 tablespoons sour cream
- ▢ 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese , finely grated
Instructions
FOR THE AIR FRYER
- Cut the tops off of the tomatoes. Using a small spoon, carefully remove and discard pulp.
- Season the insides of the tomatoes with ½ teaspoon of the black pepper and ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Invert the tomatoes onto paper towels and allow to drain while you make the filling.
- In a medium bowl, combine the spinach, Boursin cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper and ¼ cup of the shredded parmesan. Stir until ingredients are well combined. Divide the mixture between the tomatoes.
- Top tomatoes with the remaining ¼ cup shredded parmesan.
- Place the tomatoes in the air-fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F for 15 minutes or until filling is hot.
FOR THE OVEN
- Follow steps 1-4, then place in a baking pan and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
How Do I Know if My Tomato is Cooked Thoroughly?
Variations To Try Out
Salad Stuffed Tomatoes
- Egg Salad - easy vegetarian stuffed tomato recipe. Use this egg hack to make the egg salad stupid simple.
- Chicken Salad - my recipe is so creamy and simple!
- Tuna Salad - classic combo you’re going to love!
Stuff With Cooked Meat
- Italian Sausage
- Grilled Chicken
- Taco Seasoned Meat
- Gyro Meat - you HAVE to try my recipe!
Grain Stuffed Tomatoes
- Cooked Rice - mix it with meat or veggies.
- Cooked Quinoa - seasoned to your liking.
- Farro Risotto - try this recipe for an awesome combo with the tomatoes.
- Barley and Lentil Pilaf - add cheese to make this even better!
- Wild Rice Pilaf
Enhance with Toppings
- Parmesan Cheese - broil for a minute to get the cheese nice and bubbly with a crisp on the edges!
- Bread Crumbs - flavored bread crumbs are awesome!
- Minced Basil and/or Parsley
- Toasted Pine Nuts
Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes
- Mozzarella Balls - place mozzarella balls inside the tomatoes to let them melt to perfection.
- Pepperjack Cheese - add a little heat to the dish.
- Add cheese to the spinach for a well-rounded dish like I did in this recipe.
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Nutrition
And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .
