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Elevate your lunch or picnic with our cool, creamy Japanese macaroni salad. Easy to make, bursting with fresh flavor—try it today!
Japanese Macaroni Salad
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆2
servings15
minutes10
minutesJapanese Macaroni Salad Ingredients
Macaroni: 40g (about 1/2 cup dried)
Substitute: Any small pasta shape (elbow, fusilli) if standard macaroni isn’t available.1/4 onion, thinly sliced
Substitute: 1/2 small shallot or spring onion if regular onion is too sharp.1/2 cucumber, sliced into 2–3 mm rounds
Optional Step: Salt lightly if you prefer a softer texture.1/4 carrot, julienned (about 50g)
Substitute: Bell pepper or zucchini strips for a similar color pop.30g ham, cut into short strips (about 1 oz)
Substitute: Turkey ham, cooked bacon bits, or deli chicken slices for protein.5 tablespoons mayonnaise
Note: Japanese Kewpie mayo is recommended for extra creaminess.
Substitute: Regular mayonnaise + a small splash of rice vinegar for a tangier flavor.Salt & pepper, to taste
Leaf lettuce (about 40g), for garnish (optional)
Extra Flavor Options: Add boiled egg, tuna, or scallops for a heartier salad.
Japanese Macaroni Salad Directions
- Boil the Macaroni
Salted Water: Bring a pot of water to boil, adding salt (~1% salt to water ratio).
Cook: Boil macaroni according to package directions (usually 6–8 minutes).
Rinse & Cool: Drain thoroughly, then rinse under cold running water to stop cooking.
Prevent Clumping: Toss with a dash of olive oil or a spoonful of French dressing to keep macaroni separate and add subtle flavor. - Microwave the Onion & Carrot
Slice: Onion into thin half-rings; carrot into matchstick-size strips.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap. Heat at 600W for 1 minute 30 seconds.
Drain: Squeeze any excess liquid from the onion to remove bitterness and improve sweetness. Leave carrot slightly crisp for texture. - Slice the Cucumber
2–3 mm thick rounds provide a refreshing crunch.
Keeping it fresh (unsalted) preserves that “snappy” texture. - Prep the Ham
Ham: Cut into short strips. This adds protein and a savory taste, plus color contrast. - Combine with Mayonnaise
In a large bowl: Add the microwaved onion, carrot, raw cucumber, and 2–3 tablespoons mayonnaise initially. Mix well so veggies are lightly coated.
Add Macaroni & Ham: Stir them in, then add remaining mayo to reach desired creaminess.If macaroni is thin or delicate, you might need extra mayo to coat effectively.
Enhance Flavor: You can also add a spoon of mustard or a little vinegar for tang. - Season with Salt & Pepper
Taste: Depending on how much mayo you used, adjust salt and pepper.
Optional: Serve over leaf lettuce for presentation.
Notes
- Tips & Points
Cooling Macaroni: Rinsing in cold water stops overcooking and locks in a firm, chewy bite.
Onion Softening: Quickly heating the onion in the microwave transforms its pungent bite into sweet aroma—no harsh onion flavor.
Cucumber Crunch: Enjoy the fresh crunch; salting is not mandatory, but an option if you prefer a softer texture.
Protein Variations: Feel free to add boiled egg, tuna, or leftover roast chicken to make it more substantial.
Storing: Keep in the fridge if not serving immediately. If it thickens, loosen with a bit of milk or more mayo before serving.