Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – Creamy, Tangy, and Easy to Make
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is rich, creamy, slightly tangy, and the perfect side dish for BBQs, plate lunches, or potlucks. Made with elbow macaroni, shredded carrots, finely chopped onions, and a smooth mayo dressing, this classic Hawaiian favorite is simple yet packed with flavor. It's best served chilled and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk for dressing
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Wooden spoon (for mixing)
Ingredients
- ✅ For the Salad:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 medium carrot shredded
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- 2 tablespoons green onions chopped (for garnish)
- ✅ For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise preferably Best Foods or Hellmann’s
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 🔸 Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
- 1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until very soft, about 1–2 minutes past al dente (this helps the pasta absorb the dressing).
- 2️⃣ Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it down slightly.
- 3️⃣ Transfer to a mixing bowl and let it cool completely at room temperature.
- 🔸 Step 2: Make the Dressing
- 4️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- 🔸 Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- 5️⃣ Add the shredded carrots and diced red onions to the cooled pasta.
- 6️⃣ Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and mix gently until fully coated.
- 🔸 Step 4: Chill & Serve
- 7️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to let the flavors develop.
- 8️⃣ Before serving, stir the salad and sprinkle with chopped green onions for extra flavor. Enjoy chilled!
Notes
Use Full-Fat Mayo: Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is rich and creamy, so avoid using light mayo.
Let It Rest: The salad tastes best after chilling for a few hours, as the pasta absorbs the flavors.
For Extra Creaminess: Stir in an additional ¼ cup of mayo before serving.
Add More Texture: Some variations include chopped celery, hard-boiled eggs, or sweet relish.
Let It Rest: The salad tastes best after chilling for a few hours, as the pasta absorbs the flavors.
For Extra Creaminess: Stir in an additional ¼ cup of mayo before serving.
Add More Texture: Some variations include chopped celery, hard-boiled eggs, or sweet relish.