Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe is the ultimate creamy, tangy, utterly irresistible side dish that captures the sunny vibes of the islands in every bite. Tender elbow macaroni soaks up a luscious mayo-dressed blend loaded with sweet carrots, crunchy celery, and zippy onions — it’s a comfort food favorite that never fails to appear at every island get-together, backyard barbecue, and beachy picnic. With its simple ingredients and addictive flavor, it’s destined to become your go-to pasta salad for potlucks or weekday cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on basic, familiar staples, but each one plays a meaningful role in creating the perfect texture and signature taste. Don’t be tempted to swap or skip — every ingredient is essential for an authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe experience!
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice here, cooked softly so it soaks up all that creamy dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Go for the real-deal, full-fat variety for signature richness and island-approved flavor.
- Whole milk: Thins out the dressing just enough for a silky, lush coating on every pasta bite.
- Apple cider vinegar: Offers a tangy punch and brightness that keeps every bite from feeling heavy.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and rounds out the dressing’s savory tang.
- Salt: Crucial for seasoning both the pasta water and the finished salad so every flavor pops.
- Ground black pepper: A little bite balances the creamy-sweet profile and makes the flavors sing.
- Finely shredded carrot: Not just for color! Carrot delivers sweetness and a satisfying gentle crunch.
- Finely chopped celery: Adds refreshing crispness and a mild, aromatic bite.
- Finely chopped onion: For a subtle zing that beautifully balances the creamy mayo dressing.
How to Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil—don’t skimp on the salt! Add your elbow macaroni and cook it for about 10 to 12 minutes, until it’s very soft and just past al dente. This extra tenderness is the secret to a true Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe, and it helps the pasta soak up every bit of that dreamy dressing. Drain the pasta, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking, and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, whole milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until silky smooth. This is where that unmistakable Hawaiian flavor begins to build. Make sure to whisk until there are no lumps and everything’s beautifully blended.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Macaroni
Now, add the cooled macaroni to the bowl, followed by the finely shredded carrot, chopped celery, and onion. Mix it all together until every piece of pasta is glistening and lovingly coated with the dressing. Don’t be afraid to really fold everything gently but thoroughly—nobody wants a dry or uneven forkful!
Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor
Cover your salad with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better! This resting time is magic—it lets the macaroni fully soak up every delicious flavor, and transforms the salad into its signature creamy, luscious state.
Step 5: Stir, Taste, and Serve
Give your Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe a good stir before serving. If it looks a bit dry (totally normal after overnight chilling), add a splash more mayonnaise or milk to bring the creaminess back to life. Taste, adjust the seasoning if needed, and then get ready to wow everyone at your table!
How to Serve Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of sliced green onions or fresh cracked pepper is all you need to give this salad a pop of color and a fresh finish. If you’re feeling festive, a dusting of paprika or extra ribbons of carrot on top will also make it pretty as a picture.
Side Dishes
It’s hard to beat Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe alongside classic island barbecue fare: think kalua pork, huli huli chicken, grilled teriyaki meats, or sticky rice. For picnics, it pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, and any grilled veggies you love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving scoops of macaroni salad in single-serve cups for easy grab-and-go eating at parties. Or pile high on a platter lined with banana leaves for an authentic Hawaiian presentation — it brightens up any potluck table and really brings the Aloha spirit home!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover salad to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to four days. If it thickens up a bit after sitting, simply add a spoonful or two of mayo or milk, stir, and it’ll be just as luscious as day one.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe—the mayonnaise dressing tends to separate and get watery once thawed, changing the texture for the worse. It’s truly meant to be enjoyed fresh or after a short fridge nap.
Reheating
This salad is always served cold or at cool room temperature. If you want to enjoy it right after taking it out of the fridge, just let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to take the chill off and stir to re-fluff the texture. Don’t try to microwave or heat it up—the creamy dressing will break and lose its magic!
FAQs
Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?
You can use low-fat mayo if you’d like, but for the creamiest and most authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe, full-fat is the traditional (and tastiest) choice. Low-fat versions may be slightly less rich and might separate a bit when chilled, so just keep this in mind.
What veggies can I add or substitute?
Classic recipes stick with carrots, celery, and onion. But if you’d like to get creative, try adding diced bell peppers, sweet peas, or even a handful of scallions for extra color and crunch—just keep a balance so the pasta stays center stage.
How do I keep my macaroni salad from tasting bland?
Season both your pasta water and the finished dish generously with salt. Taste before serving and adjust if you need more zing (add more vinegar) or creaminess (a bit more mayo or milk) to get the flavors just right!
Is this salad truly Hawaiian?
Yes! The classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe is a staple on the islands, often served as part of a traditional plate lunch. It’s beloved for its creamy, tangy profile and humble island roots, even though it takes inspiration from American-style pasta salads.
Can I make this salad ahead for a party?
Absolutely! In fact, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe is at its best when made a day in advance—the chilling time allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Just give it a stir and add more mayo before serving if it looks dry.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a side dish that’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews, this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe is it. Creamy, satisfyingly tangy, and loaded with island nostalgia, it’s one of those dishes that instantly brightens any meal or gathering. Give it a try—your plate lunches (and your friends) will thank you!
Print
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and flavorful, this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a delightful twist on traditional pasta salad. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup finely shredded carrot
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
Dressing:
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni until very soft, about 10-12 minutes. Drain, rinse, and cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix macaroni, carrot, celery, and onion with the dressing until fully coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Adjust seasoning and serve cold.
Notes
- For best results, slightly overcook the macaroni for better absorption of the dressing.
- Make ahead and store in the fridge; add more mayo if needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¾ cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
