Heart-Healthy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Enjoy a tropical twist on a classic favorite with this Heart-Healthy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad! Featuring whole grain macaroni, creamy plain Greek yogurt, and a hint of pineapple juice, this recipe offers all the flavor of the beloved island dish with a nutritious upgrade. Packed with crunchy vegetables like grated carrot, celery, and scallions, plus tender bites of diced chicken breast, it’s a protein-rich, fiber-filled option perfect for guilt-free indulgence. The tangy-sweet dressing, made with low-fat mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a drizzle of honey, ties it all together for a refreshing dish. Ready in just 25 minutes and served chilled, this lightened-up macaroni salad is perfect for summer gatherings, meal prep, or a quick lunch that’s big on taste and heart health.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Gently fold in the cooled macaroni, ensuring that all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 5

Season the salad with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 6

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

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

Serving size	(947.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1644.2

Total Fat 44.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.5g
Cholesterol 187.9mg	0%
Sodium 2502.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 207.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.0g	0%
Total Sugars 30.8g
Protein 111.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 408.0mg	0%
Iron 10.7mg	0%
Potassium 1289.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.0%

Protein: 26.5%

Carbs: 49.5%