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caribbean style creamy macaroni salad

Caribbean Macaroni Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Caribbean
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 Small mixing bowl
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 Set of measuring cups
  • 1 set of measuring spoons
  • 1 plastic wrap or airtight container

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cup elbow macaroni dry
  • 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water
  • 1 cup mayonnaise full-fat
  • 2 tablespoon lime juice fresh
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper finely diced
  • 1/2 cup carrot finely shredded
  • 1/3 cup celery finely diced
  • 1/2 cup canned pineapple tidbits drained
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish drained
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt, then add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until just al dente.
  • Drain the macaroni in a colander, rinse under cold water until completely cool, and let it drain very well.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, allspice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
  • Add the cooled macaroni to a large mixing bowl and gently separate any clumps with a spoon.
  • Add the red onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, shredded carrot, celery, pineapple tidbits, and sweet pickle relish to the macaroni.
  • Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetables, then gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  • Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley, tasting and adjusting seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if desired.
  • Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
  • Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and, if it looks dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or a squeeze of lime juice to refresh the texture.

Notes

For best results, be sure the macaroni is fully cooled and well-drained before adding the dressing so it doesn’t become watery, and dice the vegetables finely so they distribute evenly in every bite. You can customize the heat level by adjusting the cayenne pepper or adding a bit of minced Scotch bonnet (use sparingly and wear gloves). If making ahead for a party, prepare it up to a day in advance and freshen it with a small spoonful of mayonnaise or lime before serving. Keep the salad chilled at all times, especially in warm weather, and avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours for food safety.
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