Heart-Healthy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Experience a tropical twist on a classic favorite with our **Heart-Healthy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad**, a lighter yet flavor-packed version of the beloved picnic staple. This recipe features **whole grain macaroni** for added fiber, and swaps traditional heavy dressings for a creamy blend of **plain Greek yogurt** and **low-fat mayonnaise**, sweetened naturally with a splash of **pineapple juice** and a touch of honey. Colorful vegetables like **grated carrot, crunchy celery, and scallions** are paired with tender pieces of **diced chicken breast** for a protein boost, making this salad both satisfying and nutritious. Perfectly seasoned with hints of **apple cider vinegar**, **salt**, and **black pepper**, this dish is a wholesome crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 25 minutes plus chilling time. Serve it cold and let the vibrant flavors refresh your palate—ideal for a healthy lunch, summer cookout, or weeknight side.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole grain macaroni
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 cup low-fat mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 medium-sized, grated carrot
- 2 stalks, finely chopped celery
- 2 thinly sliced scallions
- 1 cup, diced cooked chicken breast
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the whole grain macaroni according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente texture, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, low-fat mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, and honey. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy dressing.
Add the grated carrot, chopped celery, sliced scallions, and diced cooked chicken breast to the bowl. Mix well to evenly coat them with the dressing.
Gently fold in the cooled macaroni, ensuring that all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Season the salad with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Give the salad a good stir before serving, and enjoy your heart-healthy Hawaiian macaroni salad as a delightful dish suitable for lunch or dinner!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1644 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.6 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.3 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 188 mg | 63% | |
| Sodium | 2502 mg | 109% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 207.4 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.0 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.8 g | ||
| Protein | 111.0 g | 222% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 408 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 10.7 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 1290 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
