Protein Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

There are some recipes that just scream summer, and for me, Hawaiian macaroni salad is one of them. There's something about a hot, sunny day that makes me want to boil a pot of noodles and mix together a big bowl of creamy macaroni salad—even if it means heating up the kitchen a little.

If you've ever enjoyed a Hawaiian plate lunch, you've probably had Hawaiian macaroni salad. Unlike traditional deli macaroni salad, Hawaiian mac salad is known for its ultra-creamy dressing, tender noodles, and simple ingredients like grated carrots and onion. It's rich, tangy, slightly sweet, and the perfect side dish for grilled meats.

Since I've been focusing on adding more protein to my meals, I decided to give this classic recipe a makeover without sacrificing the flavor that makes it so good.

Why You'll Love This Protein Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

This version stays true to the creamy texture and classic flavors while adding a substantial protein boost.

I used protein elbow macaroni as the base, replaced half of the mayonnaise with plain Icelandic-style yogurt, and stirred in canned chicken breast for even more protein. The result is a macaroni salad that's still creamy, tangy, and satisfying, but with over 20 grams of protein per serving.

It's perfect for:

• Summer cookouts

• Backyard barbecues

• Potlucks

• Meal prep lunches

• Picnic side dishes

The best part? It tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead recipe.

Tips for the Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

A few simple techniques help recreate the classic Hawaiian-style texture:

• Cook the macaroni until very tender. Hawaiian mac salad traditionally uses softer noodles than most pasta salads.

• Add the vinegar while the pasta is hot. The warm macaroni absorbs the vinegar, adding flavor throughout the salad.

• Grate the vegetables. Finely grated carrots, celery, and onion practically melt into the dressing, giving the salad its signature creamy consistency.

• Let it chill. Refrigerating for several hours allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and the flavors to come together beautifully.

Protein Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Ingredients

• 14.5 ounces protein elbow macaroni

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 2 (12.5-ounce) cans chicken breast, drained

• 1 cup grated carrots

• 2 celery stalks, grated

• 1/4 cup grated onion

• 1 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise

• 1 cup plain Siggi's Icelandic-style yogurt

• 1/4 cup Fairlife fat-free milk

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1½ teaspoons black pepper (or white pepper)

• 1½ tablespoons monkfruit sweetener (optional, or substitute granulated sugar)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the protein elbow macaroni according to the package directions until very tender.

2. Drain the pasta and immediately transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

3. While the macaroni is still hot, pour the apple cider vinegar over the pasta and stir well to coat. Allow the macaroni to cool to room temperature.

4. Add the drained chicken, grated carrots, grated celery, grated onion, mayonnaise, Icelandic-style yogurt, Fairlife milk, salt, pepper, and optional monkfruit sweetener.

5. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours before serving. Stir again before serving, adding an extra splash of milk if you'd like a slightly creamier consistency.

Variations

This recipe is delicious as written, but you can easily make it your own.

• Use rotisserie chicken instead of canned chicken.

• Add diced hard-boiled eggs for even more protein.

• Sprinkle in chopped green onions before serving.

• Prefer a sweeter macaroni salad? Add a little more monkfruit sweetener or sugar to taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

As the salad chills, the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing. If needed, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk before serving to bring back its creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Hawaiian macaroni salad tastes even better after it's been refrigerated for several hours or overnight.

Why do you add vinegar to the hot pasta?

The hot noodles absorb the vinegar much better than cold pasta, giving every bite a subtle tang that's characteristic of authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad.

Can I use regular pasta?

Yes. Protein pasta simply increases the protein content, but regular elbow macaroni works perfectly if that's what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Protein Hawaiian Macaroni Salad has quickly become one of my favorite summer side dishes. It has everything I love about the classic version—creamy dressing, tender noodles, and just the right amount of tang—but with a protein boost that makes it a little more filling and a little more balanced.

Whether you're serving it alongside grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, pulled pork, or your favorite cookout meal, it's a side dish that's sure to disappear quickly. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a spoonful straight from the bowl while it's chilling in the refrigerator—I know I did! Nutritional Information (using the brand ingredients I used) Calories ~282 kcal, Protein ~20.6 g, Carbohydrates ~23.7 g, Fiber ~3.3 g, Net Carbs ~20.4 g,

Fat ~11.8 g

Pittsburgh-Style Ham BBQ Sandwiches

There are certain foods that instantly transport you back in time.

For me, it happened during a recent trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While browsing the deli counters at the market, I spotted chipped beef and immediately found myself thinking about a family Fourth of July picnic from more than 25 years ago.

That picnic wasn't in Lancaster—it was in Pittsburgh, PA.

I remember being handed a sandwich and told it was "Ham BBQ." Having grown up elsewhere, I had never heard of such a thing. Everyone around me seemed shocked. "You've never had Ham BBQ?" they asked.

Apparently, this simple sandwich is a western Pennsylvania institution.

Made with chipped chopped ham simmered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce and served on soft buns, Ham BBQ sandwiches have been showing up at picnics, graduation parties, church suppers, and family gatherings around Pittsburgh for generations.

Ever since that picnic, I've wanted to recreate that sandwich at home.

What Is Ham BBQ?

Unlike traditional pulled pork barbecue, Pittsburgh-style Ham BBQ starts with chipped chopped ham—very thin slices of deli ham that are simmered in a thin barbecue sauce until heated through.

The sauce isn't thick and smoky like many bottled barbecue sauces. Instead, it's lighter, slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and perfectly suited to the salty ham.

The result is an easy, crowd-pleasing sandwich that's ideal for feeding a group.

My Version Of Ham BBQ

Since I can't easily find authentic Pittsburgh chipped chopped ham where I live, I used thinly sliced smoked chipped ham from S. Clyde Weaver, which I found during our Lancaster trip.

For the sauce, I kept things simple with ketchup, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a brown sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version. Feel free to use brown sugar if you prefer a more traditional approach.

The best part? Everything comes together in a slow cooker with almost no effort.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy slow cooker recipe

• Perfect for summer gatherings and cookouts

• Great make-ahead meal

• Feeds a crowd

• Lower sugar than traditional versions

• A nostalgic taste of western Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh-Style Ham BBQ Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked chipped ham, sliced thin

• 1 cup no-sugar ketchup, such as True Made Food

• 4 tablespoons brown sweetener, such as Lakanto (or brown sugar)

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ cup water, plus more if needed

• Hamburger buns, for serving

• Butter, for toasting buns

Instructions

1. In a small slow cooker, whisk together the ketchup, brown sweetener, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and water.

2. Add the chipped ham and stir well to coat the slices evenly in the sauce.

3. Cover and cook on low for about 1 hour, or until the ham is heated through and the sauce is lightly simmering.

4. If the mixture becomes too thick, stir in a little additional water until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Butter the tops and bottoms of the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet until golden brown.

6. Pile the warm Ham BBQ mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Potato salad

• Macaroni salad

• Coleslaw

• Baked beans

• Pickles

• Potato chips

Tips for the Best Ham BBQ

• Ask your deli to slice the ham as thin as possible.

• Don't overcook the ham; it only needs to heat through.

• The sauce should be thinner than traditional barbecue sauce.

• Toasting the buns prevents them from becoming soggy.

• This recipe can easily be doubled for parties and cookouts.

A Taste of Pennsylvania

One of my favorite things about traveling is discovering—or rediscovering—regional foods. This Ham BBQ recipe combines memories from Pittsburgh with inspiration from Lancaster, bringing together two beloved Pennsylvania food traditions.

If you're from western Pennsylvania, I'd love to know: Did you grow up eating Ham BBQ sandwiches? And if so, what family recipe secrets make yours special?

Grilled Citrus Chicken Wings with Sweet Orange Alabama White Sauce

When it comes to summer grilling, few things disappear from the platter faster than a batch of perfectly grilled chicken wings. These Grilled Citrus Chicken Wings with Sweet Orange Alabama White Sauce deliver everything you want in a crowd-pleasing appetizer: crispy skin, bright citrus flavor, a hint of sweetness, and a creamy dipping sauce that keeps everyone coming back for more.

What makes these wings special starts with the quality of the ingredients. Pasture-raised chicken wings provide a rich, juicy foundation, while fresh orange zest, lemon juice, and fragrant thyme create a marinade that brings bold, natural flavor to every bite. A touch of sweetener balances the citrus beautifully and helps create a gorgeous golden finish on the grill without overpowering the savory elements.

The result? Wings that are lightly charred, herb-speckled, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor.

Why You'll Love These Grilled Citrus Chicken Wings

These aren't your typical sticky, sauce-heavy wings. Instead, they showcase clean ingredients and bright flavors that let the chicken shine.

• Fresh citrus adds vibrant, natural flavor

• Pasture-raised chicken wings offer exceptional taste and texture

• The grill creates crispy skin and smoky char

• Sweet Orange Alabama White Sauce adds a tangy, creamy finish

• Perfect for cookouts, game days, family dinners, and summer gatherings

Every element works together to create a balanced bite that's savory, citrusy, slightly sweet, and irresistibly satisfying.

The Secret Is in the Citrus Marinade

A great wing starts long before it hits the grill.

Fresh orange zest delivers concentrated citrus oils that infuse the chicken with bright flavor, while lemon juice adds just enough acidity to tenderize and enhance the meat. Fresh thyme contributes an earthy, aromatic note that complements both citrus fruits beautifully.

A small amount of sweetener ties everything together, softening the sharpness of the citrus and helping the wings caramelize as they cook. As the wings grill, the marinade develops into a beautiful golden coating that enhances both flavor and appearance.

Grilling for Crispy, Flavorful Wings

One of the biggest advantages of grilling wings is the incredible texture you can achieve.

The high heat renders the fat beneath the skin, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. The citrus marinade caramelizes lightly, while the grill adds subtle smoky notes and charred edges that make each wing even more flavorful.

Look for skin that's golden brown with a few darker char marks—that's where the magic happens.

Meet Your New Favorite Dipping Sauce

No wing recipe is complete without an amazing sauce, and this Sweet Orange Alabama White Sauce might just steal the show.

Inspired by the classic Alabama white sauce, this version combines creamy richness with tangy brightness. Orange zest mirrors the citrus notes in the wings, creating a seamless flavor pairing from first bite to last.

The sauce is smooth, creamy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced, making it ideal for dipping, drizzling, or serving alongside grilled chicken of any kind.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, tailgating with friends, or simply looking for a fresh way to enjoy chicken wings, this recipe delivers.

Serve these grilled citrus wings alongside:

• Grilled vegetables

• Fresh summer salads

• Roasted potatoes

• Coleslaw

• Corn on the cob

They're easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to elevate your wing game beyond traditional buffalo sauce, these Grilled Citrus Chicken Wings with Sweet Orange Alabama White Sauce are a must-try. The combination of fresh citrus, fragrant herbs, caramelized grill flavor, and creamy orange-infused dipping sauce creates a dish that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying. Every bite delivers bright flavor, crispy texture, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Fire up the grill, grab a stack of napkins, and get ready for a wing recipe that's destined to become a favorite all season long.

Citrus Chicken Wings with Sweet Oranage Alabama White Sauce Ingredients: Citrus Chicken Wings

1 1/2 lb Pasture-raised Chicken Wings - US Wellness Meats

1 Tbsp Classic Monkfruit Sweetener with Allulose (White Sugar Replacement) - Lakanto

2 Tbsp Orange Juice, fresh

1 tsp Orange Zest

2 Tbsp Lemon Juice, fresh

3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 tsp Thyme, Fresh

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

1/2 tsp Black Peppercorns, Ground Fresh

1 tsp Norwegian Flaky Sea Salt - Salty Provisions Sweet Orange Alabama White Sauce

1/2 cup Mayonnaise

1/2 cup Skyr, Plain - Icelandic Provisions

1 Tbsp Classic Monkfruit Sweetener with Allulose (White Sugar Replacement) - Lakanto

1 Tbsp Horseradish, optional

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika

1/2 tsp Black Peppercorns, Ground Fresh

1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

1 tsp Orange Juice, fresh

1/2 tsp Lemon Juice, fresh Instructions: Citrus Chicken Wings

1. Mix marinade: Whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, fresh thyme leaves, Dijon mustard, and monk fruit with allulose sweetener until combined. Season coarse black pepper and kosher flake salt.

2. Marinate wings: Add chicken wings to a shallow dish. Pour marinade over wings, toss to coat, seal and refrigerate at least 2 hours (up to 24 hours).

3. Prep for grill: Remove wings from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Discard used marinade.

4. Grill: Grill wings over medium-high heat for 20–25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until cooked through and nicely charred.

5. Rest and serve: Rest wings for 5 minutes, then serve with Sweet Orange Alabama White Sauce on the side.

Sweet Alabama Orange BBQ Sauce

1. Combine wet ingredients: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, until smooth. Add monk fruit with allulose sweetener and whisk well to fully dissolve it into the sauce.

2. Season: Stir in prepared horseradish (optional), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, coarse black pepper, kosher salt.

3. Adjust and chill: Taste and adjust — more zest for citrus punch, more monk fruit for sweetness, or a splash more vinegar for tang. Refrigerate for at least 60 minutes before serving.