Short Description

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy pasta salad that’s a staple in Hawaiian plate lunches. Made with simple ingredients like elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, shredded carrots, and a touch of vinegar and sugar, this dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Perfect as a side for grilled meats, seafood, or any summer gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Hawaiian flavor – Creamy, slightly tangy, and perfectly balanced.
Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples for easy preparation.
Great for BBQs and picnics – A must-have side dish for grilled meats.
Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better after chilling.
Customizable – Easily add ham, pineapple, or peas for extra texture.

Ingredients

For the Salad:
12 oz elbow macaroni (or another short pasta)
1 cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
¼ cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large carrots, finely shredded
1 medium onion, finely diced

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the elbow macaroni until soft (a little past al dente for the best texture).
Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let cool completely.

2. Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Mix the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni with shredded carrots and diced onion.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir until everything is well coated.

4. Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to blend.
Stir before serving, and add more mayonnaise or milk if needed for a creamier texture.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Hawaiian Style Deluxe – Add chopped ham, pineapple chunks, or green peas for a tropical twist.
Spicy Version – Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce for a little heat.
Egg Macaroni Salad – Mix in chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
Healthier Option – Use Greek yogurt instead of some or all of the mayonnaise.
Extra Crunch – Add celery or bell peppers for more texture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate.
Serving Tip: Stir in a little extra milk or mayonnaise before serving to refresh the texture.

FAQs

Why is Hawaiian Macaroni Salad different?

It’s softer, creamier, and slightly sweet compared to traditional macaroni salad.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! Small shells or rotini work well, but elbow macaroni is the most authentic.

How do I keep the pasta from absorbing too much dressing?

Overcooking the pasta slightly and chilling it before adding the dressing helps maintain creaminess.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for several hours or overnight.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Absolutely! Chopped chicken, tuna, or ham make great additions.

What can I serve with this salad?

It pairs well with grilled chicken, BBQ pork, burgers, or fried fish.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free mayonnaise and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.

How do I adjust the sweetness?

Reduce or increase the sugar to suit your taste.

What’s the best mayonnaise to use?

Use full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture—brands like Hellmann’s or Best Foods work well.

Why does the salad need to chill before serving?

Chilling allows the flavors to meld and enhances the creamy texture.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the ultimate creamy and tangy pasta salad, perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and a rich, authentic flavor, this dish is a must-try. Make it today and bring a taste of Hawaii to your table!

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish that’s a staple in Hawaiian plate lunches. Made with tender macaroni, shredded carrots, onions, and a rich, slightly tangy dressing, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, and summer gatherings!

Ingredients

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Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Macaroni:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until very soft (Hawaiian-style macaroni salad is best with softer pasta).
Drain and rinse under cold water, then let cool slightly.

2️⃣ Prepare the Dressing:

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

3️⃣ Assemble the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded carrots, and diced onion.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and mix well until evenly coated.

4️⃣ Chill & Serve:

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor).
Stir before serving and adjust mayonnaise or seasoning if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-Cook