Sweet & Tangy Kiwi Macaroni Salad
Kiwi Macaroni Salad Recipe for Special Occasions
Just adding kiwi elevates this macaroni salad to a whole new level of deliciousness! You’ll find yourself adding kiwi to all your macaroni salads from now on. The subtle tang of kiwi cuts through richness, creating a delightful balance with the creamy macaroni, crunchy onions, and tender crab sticks. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish perfect for parties, gatherings, or a delightful light meal.
Salad Ingredients- 100g Macaroni
- 2 fresh Kiwis (Zespri kiwis recommended)
- 1/4 Onion
- 2 Crab sticks (or imitation crab meat)
Tangy Salad Dressing- 3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1/4 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1/4 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing your fresh, ripe kiwis. Using sweet kiwis like Zespri will enhance the overall flavor of your salad.
Step 2
Peel the prepared kiwis and cut them into bite-sized pieces or your preferred size for the salad. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might get mushy. Aim for a size that offers a pleasant texture in each bite.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt and about 1/2 teaspoon of cooking oil. Add the macaroni and cook for approximately 14 minutes, or until ‘al dente’ (cooked but still firm to the bite) – perhaps a minute or two less than the package instructions. Drain the macaroni thoroughly in a colander and let it cool slightly.
Step 4
Finely mince or thinly slice the onion. Shred the crab sticks lengthwise or cut them into manageable pieces. We’ll proceed to the next step immediately to remove any harshness from the onion.
Step 5
Sprinkle a small amount of salt over the sliced onions and let them sit for about 10 minutes to soften. After salting, gently rinse them under cold water and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This process removes the sharp, pungent flavor, leaving a pleasant crispness.
Step 6
Now it’s time to bring all the ingredients together. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, sliced kiwi, prepared crab sticks, and the squeezed-dry onions.
Step 7
Finally, prepare and add the delicious salad dressing. Add the mayonnaise, salt, and sugar to the bowl with the other ingredients. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated. A pinch of black pepper can be added for extra flavor.
Step 8
Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are well combined with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the kiwi and crab sticks mushy. Your refreshing and sweet kiwi macaroni salad is now ready! It’s delicious served immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for an even more delightful taste.
