Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a delightful blend of tender macaroni, tangy-sweet dressing, crunchy veggies, and a creamy texture. This island-inspired dish brings a burst of flavor to any meal.

Ah, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – just the name of it makes you think of sunny days, warm breezes, and fun times with family and friends! This isn’t your ordinary macaroni salad.

It’s all about tender elbow macaroni mixed with a creamy, tangy dressing, then sprinkled with crisp carrots and green onions for a splash of color and freshness. If you’ve ever had Hawaiian BBQ, you’ll know what this is!

This salad is the perfect side dish to bring a tropical flair to any meal, especially during those warmer months. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad will have everyone asking for seconds. Now, let’s dive into making this delightful dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering or picnic!

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a comforting taste of the islands that’s sure to bring joy to your table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a festive gathering, or just a simple weekday meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. With its easy preparation and versatile nature, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again.

So, grab your ingredients, and let’s bring a bit of Hawaiian sunshine into our kitchens with this fabulous macaroni salad!

Common Questions About Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Have some Hawaiian pasta salad in the fridge, ready to go at a moment’s notice? Well, you can’t go wrong there.

What makes this macaroni salad Hawaiian?

It’s all in the dressing – a creamy mix of mayonnaise, milk, and apple cider vinegar, along with sugar for a hint of sweetness, which gives it that unique Hawaiian cuisine taste. It’s probably the most popular side dish that I’ve seen at Hawaiian BBQ restaurants.

Can I add other ingredients to the salad?

Yes! Feel free to customize your salad. Adding ingredients like celery, hard-boiled eggs, or even a scoop of white rice can make it even more delicious. I’ve got a great list down below that will level up this macaroni pasta salad even more.

Storage

Whenever I hit a Hawaiian BBQ I get an extra helping or 5 of Hawaii’s mac salad. It’s great for leftovers!

Refrigerator

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for a quick and easy side dish all week long.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the creamy texture of the dressing.

Tips

I like to have this mac salad at every summer cookout. It’s always a family favorite, and such a simple recipe!

• Cook pasta al dente to ensure it holds up well in the salad and doesn’t get mushy.
• Cool your pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process immediately after draining.
• Let it chill: The longer the salad sits in the refrigerator, the better the flavors develop.
• Stir before serving: Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Ingredients

That apple cider vinegar gives just the right amount of tangy flavor. Every delicious Hawaiian macaroni salad should have it!

• Elbow macaroni noodles
• Mayonnaise
• Milk
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Shredded carrot
• Scallions

How to Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

In the end, this is a really simple pasta salad with very few steps till you’re done. That’s the mark of so many amazing recipes!

1. Boil the pasta according to the box directions. Drain and set aside. 
2. Whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. 
3. Add the cooked and drained pasta, carrots, and green onions.
4. Stir to combine. 
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to cool before serving.  The longer this sits the better!  

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

We actually stopped at a Hawaiian food truck the other day. Guess what I found there? Hawaiian-style macaroni salad, of course!

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large bowl for mixing
• Small mixing bowl for the dressing
• Rubber spatula
• Colander for draining pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons

What to Serve With Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad pairs wonderfully with traditional Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pork, huli huli chicken, or teriyaki chicken. It’s also great alongside American BBQ favorites like burgers and hot dogs.

Why You Should Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

If you’re not familiar with this dish, that’s ok. You’re going to be making it again and again after this. Lots of time to get acquainted going forward. Right?

• It’s a crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves this creamy, tangy pasta salad.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for a BBQ, picnic, or any meal.
• Easy to make: With simple steps and ingredients, it’s hassle-free.
• Great for meal prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
• Transportable: Ideal for bringing to potlucks and gatherings.

Variations and Add-Ins for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Let me know in the comments how your Hawaiian mac salad recipe turns out. Feel free to change things up where you see fit. I love improvising.

• Add a scoop of white rice for a more authentic Hawaiian plate lunch experience.
• Mix in diced sweet onion or sweet Maui onions for a subtle sweetness.
• Stir in chopped celery for extra crunch.
• Include hard-boiled eggs for added protein and richness.
• Sprinkle in some chopped bacon or ham for a meaty twist.
• Swap out the elbow macaroni for another pasta shape for fun.

If you love this easy side dish recipe, you’re going to love these sides too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Pasta Salad Recipes

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad

Grilled Corn Pasta Salad

---

---