Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly rich, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a staple at Hawaiian plate lunches and backyard barbecues.

Unlike traditional macaroni salad, this Hawaiian version is uniquely sweet, slightly tangy, and ultra-creamy. The secret? A generous amount of mayonnaise, a touch of vinegar, and just the right balance of seasoning. It’s the perfect cooling contrast to smoky grilled meats, crispy fried chicken, or a heaping serving of kalua pork.

If you’ve ever visited Hawaii, you’ve probably tasted this at a local plate lunch spot. But don’t worry—you don’t have to travel across the ocean to enjoy it! This authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe will bring the flavors of the islands straight to your kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something nostalgic about a really good macaroni salad. It’s the kind of dish that instantly reminds you of summer gatherings, family barbecues, and that first bite of a perfectly balanced meal.

What sets Hawaiian Macaroni Salad apart is its signature creaminess and slightly sweet, tangy dressing. Unlike other versions, which might include mustard or pickles, this one keeps things simple. The pasta is intentionally overcooked to soak up the dressing, and a splash of apple cider vinegar gives it a gentle tang.

Another reason I love this recipe? It’s incredibly easy to make. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill so the flavors meld together. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it the perfect side dish for large gatherings.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

For this classic Hawaiian Mac Salad, you’ll need:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup finely diced celery (optional, for extra crunch)
• ¼ cup finely diced sweet onion
• ½ cup green onions, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (Best Foods or Hellmann’s is best for authenticity)
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Some variations also include chopped ham, hard-boiled eggs, or even a little pineapple for an extra tropical twist, but this version sticks to the classic.

How Much Time Will You Need?

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is an easy dish to make, but it does require some chilling time to develop the best flavors. Here’s a general time breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1-2 hours (for the best taste)
• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

This step-by-step guide will ensure your macaroni salad turns out perfectly creamy and flavorful every time.

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook 2 minutes past al dente (about 10 minutes). The pasta should be soft enough to absorb the dressing, which is key for that signature texture.

Drain the macaroni and immediately toss it with apple cider vinegar while it’s still warm. This step ensures the pasta absorbs the tangy flavor. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This dressing should be creamy but pourable. If it feels too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time to thin it out slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, shredded carrots, diced onions, and celery. Pour half of the dressing over the mixture and stir to combine. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the pasta to soak up the flavors.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Add the remaining dressing, stir well, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (but preferably 2 hours) before serving. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.

Before serving, give it a final stir and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, bright finish.

Substitutions

If you need to make adjustments, here are some excellent substitutions:

• Mayonnaise: If you want a lighter version, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt or a mix of mayo and sour cream.
• Milk: For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is traditional, but white vinegar or even rice vinegar can work as a substitute.
• Carrots and Celery: If you don’t have fresh veggies on hand, finely diced bell peppers add a nice crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish, but it pairs especially well with:

1. Huli Huli Chicken – A sweet and savory grilled chicken marinated in a pineapple-soy glaze.
2. Kalua Pork – Smoky, tender shredded pork that melts in your mouth.
3. Loco Moco – A Hawaiian comfort dish featuring rice, a hamburger patty, brown gravy, and a fried egg.

This salad is also fantastic on its own as a light lunch or snack.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is best served cold, making it the perfect refreshing contrast to rich, smoky, or grilled dishes. Here are a few tips to make your presentation more appealing:

• Use a chilled bowl – Keeping the salad in a cold serving dish will help it stay fresh and creamy for longer, especially at outdoor gatherings.
• Garnish with green onions – A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions adds color and a mild sharpness that balances the creamy dressing.
• Add a sprinkle of paprika – This gives a subtle warmth and adds visual appeal.
• Serve on a plate lunch – For an authentic Hawaiian experience, pair it with sticky rice, grilled meat, and a scoop of macaroni salad in a takeout-style plate.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

A great macaroni salad is all about texture and flavor balance. Here are a few expert tips:

• Overcook the pasta slightly – Traditional Hawaiian Mac Salad is made with soft macaroni that absorbs the dressing. Don’t be afraid to cook it for an extra 2 minutes.
• Let the pasta absorb the vinegar first – Tossing the warm pasta with vinegar before adding the dressing enhances the tangy flavor and prevents a bland taste.
• Use full-fat mayonnaise – This is key for the rich, creamy texture. Brands like Best Foods or Hellmann’s work best.
• Chill it long enough – The dressing thickens and the flavors blend beautifully after at least 1-2 hours in the fridge.
• Adjust the consistency – If the salad looks too dry after chilling, mix in a bit more mayonnaise or milk before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using al dente pasta – Hawaiian Macaroni Salad should be made with soft pasta to properly soak up the dressing.
• Not chilling long enough – The flavors need time to meld, so resist the temptation to serve it immediately.
• Adding the dressing all at once – Adding half the dressing first and the rest after chilling ensures the pasta stays creamy.
• Overloading with extras – While some people like adding ham, eggs, or pineapple, the classic version is best kept simple and creamy.

How to Store Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

This salad stores well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dish.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken.
• Avoid freezing: The mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become grainy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
• Refreshing leftovers: If the salad looks dry after a day, stir in a splash of milk or an extra spoonful of mayonnaise to bring back the creaminess.

FAQ

1. Can I make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad the day before?

Yes! It actually tastes better when made ahead. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

2. What’s the best mayo to use for this recipe?

For authentic flavor, use Best Foods (West Coast) or Hellmann’s (East Coast). Avoid Miracle Whip, as it’s too tangy and sweet.

3. Can I make this without mayonnaise?

Yes! Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version. It won’t be as authentic but will still be delicious.

4. Can I add proteins like ham or eggs?

Absolutely! While the classic version keeps it simple, diced ham, shredded chicken, or chopped hard-boiled eggs can make it more filling.

5. How do I keep my macaroni salad from drying out?

Make sure the pasta is soft enough to absorb the dressing, and stir in extra mayo or milk if it looks dry after chilling.

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