Now that we’re all cooking about five meals a day during Staycation 2020, this favorite pasta salad emerged this week as one the kids can make. I’m not sure that it was even on the menu at Disney’s Kona Cafe, but it showed up as a side dish during lunch for many years. We have a beloved tradition of eating at Kona Cafe on our first day of arrival, and I would start craving this by the time we were crossing I-10. Of course, this was all before they made those most dreadful menu changes. Hey, at least the sticky wings are back.
It’s a true-blue authentic Hawaiian pasta salad – the simple sweet and tangy one that is a staple at island food trucks and old dives . The one that Elvis must have had with his burger at historic Leeward’s Drive-In in Oahu. It begs for nothing more than a few everyday staples, although the addition of cubed ham and peas could turn it into a light meal. Nevertheless, it’s meant as a side dish – for barbecue, mahi, teriyaki chicken, or with Traditional Hawaiian Loco Moco (Disney’s Aulani).
Of utmost importance is the brief vinegar soaking and the proper choice of mayonnaise. I’m a Blue Plate gal, but only Hellman’s (or Best Foods) will make this one perfect.
Until we meet again, (a hui hoi), stay well and eat well.
Kona Authentic Hawaiian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz. box macaroni or small shell pasta
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups Hellman's mayo
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 medium carrots, shredded or grated
- 3 tbsp sweet onion (Vidalia or Maui), finely grated
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil and cook the macaroni as directed on box, but then cook it two or three minutes longer. The noodles need to be really soft and fat.
- Drain noodle and pour them back into pan. Stir in the vinegar, cover, and let stand at least 10 minutes so that the vinegar soaks into the noodles.
- Combine mayo, milk and brown sugar. Stir into noodles.
- Stir grated onions and carrots into mixture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Refrigerate until cold. Can last about four days.
