hawaiian macaroni salad recipe.

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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and incredibly easy to make. Tender elbow macaroni, finely shredded carrots, onion, and celery are coated in a rich mayonnaise-based dressing for the perfect Hawaiian-style side dish. Serve it with grilled chicken, BBQ, pork, seafood, or a classic Hawaiian plate lunch.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe – Creamy Hawaiian Mac Salad

Make this creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with tender pasta, carrots, onion, celery, and a rich mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for BBQs and Hawaiian plate lunches.

Why You'll Love This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

  • Creamy and delicious: A rich mayonnaise-based dressing coats every piece of tender macaroni.
  • Perfectly balanced: Vinegar adds tanginess while a little sugar provides gentle sweetness.
  • Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this an excellent side dish.
  • Classic Hawaiian-style side: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, and rice.
  • Make-ahead friendly: The flavors become even better after the salad chills.
  • Perfect for BBQs: A great addition to summer cookouts, picnics, and potlucks.
  • Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry and refrigerator ingredients.
  • Family-friendly: Mild, creamy flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults.
  • Customizable: You can add green onions, eggs, ham, pineapple, or other vegetables.
  • Perfect for plate lunches: Serve it with white rice and grilled chicken, pork, or seafood.

What Is Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, also called Hawaiian Mac Salad, is a creamy pasta salad commonly associated with Hawaiian-style plate lunches.

It typically features tender elbow macaroni mixed with mayonnaise, carrots, onion, and seasonings. Unlike many mainland-style pasta salads, Hawaiian-style macaroni salad is generally very creamy, and the pasta is often cooked until tender rather than firm.

Recipes vary from kitchen to kitchen. Some versions include celery, green onions, pickle juice, milk, or other ingredients, while others keep the ingredient list very simple.

This homemade version combines tender macaroni with finely shredded vegetables and a creamy, slightly tangy dressing for an easy and flavorful Hawaiian-inspired side dish.

Ingredients

For the Macaroni Salad

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 2 medium carrots, finely shredded
  • ½ cup finely chopped celery
  • ¼ cup finely grated yellow onion
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Dressing

  • 1½ cups mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice, optional
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

How to Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

1. Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until very tender.

Drain thoroughly.

For a classic Hawaiian-style texture, don't aim for very firm al dente pasta.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

While the macaroni is cooking, finely shred the carrots and grate the yellow onion.

Finely chop the celery and slice the green onions.

Keeping the vegetables small helps them distribute evenly throughout the creamy salad.

3. Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

4. Combine the Ingredients

Place the drained macaroni in a large bowl.

Add the shredded carrots, celery, yellow onion, and green onions.

Pour the dressing over the macaroni.

Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.

5. Chill the Salad

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours.

This allows the macaroni to absorb some of the dressing and gives the flavors time to develop.

6. Adjust the Consistency

After chilling, stir the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad gently.

If it has become too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk or mayonnaise and mix until creamy.

Taste and adjust salt, vinegar, or sweetness as desired.

Serve chilled or slightly cool.

Pro Tips for the Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

  • Cook the pasta until tender: This gives Hawaiian-style mac salad its characteristic soft texture.
  • Don't overcook it: The macaroni should be tender but still hold its shape.
  • Use full-fat mayonnaise: It provides the richest and creamiest dressing.
  • Grate the carrots finely: Fine shreds blend smoothly throughout the salad.
  • Finely grate the onion: This distributes onion flavor without large pieces.
  • Cool the macaroni before dressing: Very hot pasta can thin the dressing.
  • Don't rush the chilling time: At least 1–2 hours allows the flavors to develop.
  • Taste after chilling: Cold foods can taste less seasoned, so adjust the seasoning before serving.
  • Add milk if needed: Macaroni absorbs dressing as it sits, so a small splash of milk can restore creaminess.
  • Use fresh vegetables: Fresh carrots, celery, and green onions add color and texture.
  • Don't add too much pickle juice: A little adds tang, while too much can overpower the creamy dressing.
  • Keep it chilled: Especially when serving the salad at outdoor BBQs and picnics.

Serving Suggestions

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is especially delicious with grilled, roasted, and BBQ dishes.

Serve it with:

  • Huli Huli Chicken
  • Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
  • Loco Moco
  • Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken
  • Teriyaki Chicken
  • Kalua-style pork
  • BBQ pork
  • Grilled shrimp
  • Grilled fish
  • BBQ ribs
  • Hawaiian-style burgers
  • Grilled vegetables
  • White rice

Hawaiian Plate Lunch

For a classic Hawaiian-inspired plate lunch, serve:

Steamed white rice + Hawaiian Macaroni Salad + grilled chicken, pork, or seafood.

Add grilled pineapple or fresh fruit for an extra tropical touch.

Variations

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with Egg

Add 2–3 finely chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra richness.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with Ham

Add 1 cup finely diced cooked ham for a heartier side dish.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with Pineapple

For a sweeter tropical variation, add ½ cup finely diced, well-drained pineapple.

Pineapple is optional and isn't necessary for a classic-style Hawaiian mac salad.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with Green Onion

Increase the green onions for a fresher onion flavor and attractive color.

Spicy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or a small amount of finely chopped jalapeño to the dressing.

Pickle-Flavored Hawaiian Mac Salad

Add a little extra pickle juice or finely chopped dill pickles for a stronger tangy flavor.

Storage

Transfer leftover Hawaiian Macaroni Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

The macaroni will absorb some of the dressing as it sits. Stir before serving and add a small splash of milk or a spoonful of mayonnaise if needed.

Do not leave mayonnaise-based macaroni salad at room temperature for extended periods.

For the best texture and flavor, serve chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy pasta salad commonly served as part of Hawaiian-style plate lunches. It typically contains tender elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, carrots, onion, and seasonings.

What makes Hawaiian Macaroni Salad different?

Hawaiian-style mac salad is particularly creamy and is often made with tender-cooked macaroni rather than firm al dente pasta. It usually has a simple combination of mayonnaise, vegetables, and balanced sweet-tangy seasoning.

Does Hawaiian Macaroni Salad contain pineapple?

Pineapple can be added as a variation, but it isn't required. A classic-style Hawaiian Macaroni Salad can be made without pineapple.

Why is Hawaiian Mac Salad so creamy?

A generous amount of mayonnaise creates its characteristic creamy texture. The tender macaroni also absorbs some of the dressing while the salad chills.

Can I make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad ahead of time?

Yes. It is an excellent make-ahead side dish. Prepare it several hours before serving and refrigerate it until needed.

How long should Hawaiian Macaroni Salad chill?

For the best flavor, refrigerate it for at least 1–2 hours. It can also be prepared the day before serving.

Why does my macaroni salad become dry?

Macaroni absorbs dressing as it sits. Stir in a little milk or mayonnaise before serving to restore the creamy consistency.

What do you serve with Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?

It pairs especially well with grilled chicken, BBQ pork, seafood, rice, teriyaki chicken, and other Hawaiian-inspired dishes.

Can I use another pasta?

Yes. Small shells or another short pasta can work, although elbow macaroni provides the most familiar texture and appearance.

Can I freeze Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?

Freezing is not recommended. Mayonnaise-based dressing and cooked pasta can separate and become watery or grainy after thawing.

Nutrition Facts

Approximate nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 365 kcal
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 6 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the brands and exact quantities of mayonnaise, pasta, milk, vegetables, and seasonings used.

Similar Recipes

  • Huli Huli Chicken
  • Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
  • Loco Moco
  • Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken
  • Spam Musubi
  • Hawaiian Chicken
  • Teriyaki Chicken
  • Pineapple Chicken
  • Hawaiian Poke Bowl
  • Hawaiian Plate Lunch

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet side dish made with tender elbow macaroni, crunchy vegetables, and a rich mayonnaise-based dressing. Its simple ingredients and make-ahead convenience make it perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, family dinners, and Hawaiian-inspired meals.

Serve it alongside white rice and grilled chicken, pork, or seafood for a delicious plate-lunch-style meal. The creamy texture and balanced flavor make it an easy side dish that complements a wide variety of main courses.

Try this easy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe at home and enjoy creamy, flavorful mac salad with delicious island-inspired flavor in every bite!

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