When it comes to iconic Hawaiian dishes, Zippy's mac salad is a true standout. This creamy and tangy side dish is a staple in local plate lunches and barbecues across the islands. With its simple yet addictive flavors, it's no wonder that Zippy's mac salad has become synonymous with the vibrant culinary culture of Hawaii.
As a lover of Hawaiian cuisine, I've always been captivated by the unique blend of flavors in Zippy's mac salad. The first time I tried it, I was instantly hooked. The creamy mayonnaise dressing, combined with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the slight tanginess of vinegar, creates a harmonious medley of tastes and textures. It's a dish that brings back memories of warm tropical breezes and the laid-back spirit of the islands.
Over the years, I've experimented with different variations of Zippy's mac salad, trying to recreate that authentic taste at home. Through trial and error, I've discovered the perfect combination of ingredients and techniques to achieve a mac salad that rivals the one served at Zippy's. So, let me share with you my tried-and-true Zippy's mac salad recipe that will transport you to the shores of Hawaii with every bite.
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Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni — 2 cups
- Carrots — 1 medium-sized, grated
- Onion — 1 small-sized, finely chopped
- Celery — 1 stalk, finely chopped
- Green bell pepper — 1 small-sized, finely chopped
- Mayonnaise — 1 cup
- Apple cider vinegar — 2 tbsp.
- Granulated sugar — 1 tbsp.
- Yellow mustard — 1 tbsp.
- Salt — 1 tsp.
- Black pepper — ½ tsp.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Mix well to distribute the vegetables evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl of vegetables and pour the dressing over the top.
- Gently toss everything together until the macaroni and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling time is crucial for the mac salad to reach its full potential.
- Before serving, give the mac salad a final toss to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
- Serve chilled.
Dietary Restrictions
- Vegetarian — Zippy's mac salad is naturally vegetarian-friendly, as it does not contain any meat or animal products.
- Gluten-free — To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free macaroni or any other gluten-free pasta shape of your choice.
Substitutions
- Mayonnaise — If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise.
- Apple cider vinegar — If you don't have apple cider vinegar on hand, you can use white vinegar or rice vinegar instead.
- Yellow mustard — Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard can be used as an alternative to yellow mustard, adding a different flavor profile to the mac salad.
Variations
- Spicy mac salad — For those who enjoy a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the dressing. This will give your mac salad a zesty kick.
- Crunchy mac salad — To add some extra texture, mix in some diced pickles or chopped water chestnuts. These crunchy additions will take your mac salad to the next level.
- Seafood mac salad — For a taste of the ocean, fold in some cooked and chilled shrimp or crab meat. This variation adds a delightful seafood twist to the classic mac salad.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
Storage
- Zippy's mac salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- The mac salad will keep well for up to 3 days. However, note that the texture may become slightly softer as it sits in the fridge.
Pro Tips
- Cook the macaroni al dente — Be sure not to overcook the macaroni, as it will continue to soften slightly as it chills in the dressing. Cooking it al dente ensures a perfect texture in the final mac salad.
- Let the macaroni cool completely — Cooling the macaroni before mixing it with the dressing prevents the mayonnaise from melting and becoming greasy. It also allows the flavors to meld together more effectively.
- Adjust the dressing to your taste — Feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper in the dressing to suit your personal preferences. Taste as you go and add more of any ingredient as needed.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour — The chilling time is crucial for the flavors to develop and for the mac salad to reach its full potential. Don't skip this step if you want to experience the true essence of Zippy's mac salad.
- Serve alongside your favorite Hawaiian dishes — Zippy's mac salad pairs perfectly with other Hawaiian favorites like Kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, or grilled mahi-mahi. It's the ideal side dish for a tropical feast.
Zippy's Mac Salad Recipe: Fourth of July Picnic Essential
Try Zippy's mac salad recipe, perfect for your Fourth of July picnic or barbecue celebration! Impress your guests with this delightful addition to your spread.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 1 medium-sized Carrot grated
- 1 small-sized Onion finely chopped
- 1 stalk Celery finely chopped
- 1 small-sized Green bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. Granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp. Yellow mustard
- 1 tsp. Salt
- ½ tsp. Black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Mix well to distribute the vegetables evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl of vegetables and pour the dressing over the top.
- Gently toss everything together until the macaroni and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling time is crucial for the mac salad to reach its full potential.
- Before serving, give the mac salad a final toss to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
- Serve chilled.
Video
Notes
- Cook the macaroni al dente — Be sure not to overcook the macaroni, as it will continue to soften slightly as it chills in the dressing. Cooking it al dente ensures a perfect texture in the final mac salad.
- Let the macaroni cool completely — Cooling the macaroni before mixing it with the dressing prevents the mayonnaise from melting and becoming greasy. It also allows the flavors to meld together more effectively.
- Adjust the dressing to your taste — Feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper in the dressing to suit your personal preferences. Taste as you go and add more of any ingredient as needed.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour — The chilling time is crucial for the flavors to develop and for the mac salad to reach its full potential. Don't skip this step if you want to experience the true essence of Zippy's mac salad.
- Serve alongside your favorite Hawaiian dishes — Zippy's mac salad pairs perfectly with other Hawaiian favorites like Kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, or grilled mahi-mahi. It's the ideal side dish for a tropical feast.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Zippy's Mac Salad Recipe: Fourth of July Picnic Essential
Amount per Serving
Calories
685
% Daily Value*
Fat
43
g
66
%
Saturated Fat
7
g
44
%
Trans Fat
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
26
g
Monounsaturated Fat
10
g
Cholesterol
24
mg
8
%
Sodium
899
mg
39
%
Potassium
354
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
63
g
21
%
Fiber
4
g
17
%
Sugar
9
g
10
%
Protein
11
g
22
%
Vitamin A
2746
IU
55
%
Vitamin C
27
mg
33
%
Calcium
43
mg
4
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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