The Luau Mac Salad

Chef Paddy’s Classic Hawaiian Mac Salad with Ham, Cavatappi & Let’s Get After It Rub

No luau is complete without The Luau Mac Salad — rich, creamy, and unapologetically old-school. This version goes all in with soft cavatappi, grated onion, carrots, red bell pepper, green onion, and ham chunks, all pulled together with a smooth, peppery dressing made with Duke’s mayo, ACV, and a hit of Let’s Get After It rub. Control the creaminess by adding the half-and-half one cup at a time — make it how you like it.

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 2 cups half-and-half (add gradually to control consistency)
• 2 cups mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred)
• 1 ½ tbsp grated yellow onion
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp Let’s Get After It rub

For the Mac Salad:

• 1 lb cavatappi pasta
• 5 green onions, white and green parts sliced thin
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup cubed ham chunks
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated onion, apple cider vinegar, and Let’s Get After It rub.
2. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half, adding 1 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency — creamy but not runny.
3. Refrigerate until needed.

2. Cook the Pasta

1. Cook cavatappi according to package directions, but add 5 extra minutes — you want it soft and plump to absorb the dressing.
2. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
3. Cover the pot and let the pasta cool for 20 minutes at room temperature.

3. First Dressing Addition

1. Stir in half of the dressing and mix to coat.
2. Cover again and cool for another 20 minutes.

4. Finish It Up

1. Stir in the remaining dressing, green onions, carrots, red bell pepper, and ham chunks.
2. Season with additional black pepper if desired.
3. Let cool completely to room temp, about 30 more minutes.

5. Chill & Serve

1. Transfer to a serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
2. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.

Chef Paddy’s Tip

Cavatappi holds onto the creamy dressing perfectly with every curl and twist. Don’t rush the chill time — this salad gets better as the flavors settle.

Let’s cook with heart and hustle.