Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for summer!
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for the upcoming warmer weather. This macaroni salad is light, creamy and has a perfectly tangy, sweet dressing. This pasta salad is simple and delicious. Elbow pasta, mayonnaise, milk, sugar, apple cider vinegar, carrots and green onion make up this delicious, refreshing salad.
There is nothing I love more an easy summer side dish that I can just throw together quickly that gets better as it is sits.
I love that this pasta salad comes together in minutes and it just packed full of flavor and delicious ingredients. Whenever I find a new summer side dish that can be made ahead I love it!
This classic hawaiian macaroni salad recipe is simple, easy to make and a great side dish to any cookout or dinner this summer.
Summer is full of cookouts and bbqs and pool parties and this Hawaiian style macaroni salad is always a hit. A change up from the classic macaroni salad that you are used to.
This pasta salad is full of flavor and a true make ahead dish. The longer this sits the better and better it gets. This can definitely be made the day before. I like to make it at the beginning of the week and eat on it all week long.
I love that you can customize this to your taste and likes. You can add more veggies, make it spicy, you can totally make this recipe your own.
There are many recipes online for authentic hawaiian macaroni salad, I chose to make this one and we love it!
This pasta salad makes a ton and can easily be doubled if you are serving a crowd. It is perfect for all those summer parties and everyone will be asking you for the recipe. This is a simple recipe with simple ingredients.
This simple pasta salad will be the hit of your summer cookout. It is one of my favorite summer side dishes. It is easy to make, serves a crowd and is always a hit.
I think I made this every week last summer, it is that good!
This is usually served on a lunch plate with teriyaki chicken, kalua pork or you could even serve it with some huli huli chicken. This is a popular side dish on a Hawaiian plate lunch.
Next time you want a spectacular side dish that will wow everyone try this Hawaiian mac salad! It is sure to impress.
I promise everyone will love this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.
You will want to make this pasta salad again and again! We do!
You will love this recipe because it is
- Easy and fast.
- Family friendly.
- Make ahead dish.
- Full of flavor.
- Totally customizable.
- Easy recipe.
Perfect for:
- Summer cookouts
- Backyard barbecues
- Fourth of July parties
- Memorial Day gatherings
- Labor Day celebrations
- Potlucks
- Family reunions
- Luau-themed parties
- Pool parties
- Weeknight dinners with grilled meats
Gather your ingredients.
Add the ingredients to the bowl.
Add the macaroni.
Stir everything together.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE
Why is Hawaiian Macaroni Salad different from regular macaroni salad?
Traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad is creamier and simpler than many mainland versions. It typically uses lots of mayonnaise and tender pasta with fewer mix-ins, creating the signature creamy texture served with Hawaiian plate lunches.
Can I make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, I think it tastes even better after chilling overnight because the pasta has time to soak up all the flavors from the dressing.
What mayonnaise works best?
Most Hawaiian-style recipes use regular mayonnaise rather than light mayo because it creates that rich, creamy texture the salad is known for.
Why does my macaroni salad seem dry the next day?
The pasta naturally absorbs dressing as it sits. Simply stir in a little extra mayonnaise or a splash of milk before serving to freshen it up.
Can I freeze macaroni salad?
I don’t recommend freezing it. Mayonnaise-based salads tend to separate after thawing and lose their creamy texture.
What goes well with Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?
It’s delicious with grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, ribs, teriyaki chicken, or Hawaiian BBQ dishes.
Ingredients used for this creamy pasta salad
- Elbow macaroni noodles- I like to use the dry elbow macaroni jumbo kind but you can use any small pasta shape you like.
- Mayonnaise- This is the base of the macaroni salad so use a good quality mayonnaise for the creamy dressing.
- Milk- You just need a bit to thin out the sauce. I like to use whole milk.
- Apple cider vinegar- This adds a great tangy dressing to the macaroni salad.
- Sugar- Adds a bit of sweetness that sets this pasta salad apart from the others.
- Salt and black pepper- You can add these to your taste.
- Carrot- Shredded. This adds sweetness and crunch to the macaroni salad.
- Scallions- Green onions add a subtle onion flavor and color this salad.
How to make this Hawaiian Pasta Salad
- Boil your pasta according to the package directions till al dente. Drain noodles and set aside.
- In a large bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the hot pasta, carrots, and green onions.
- Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to cool. The longer this sits the better! I love eating it the next day.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container container for up to 3 days.
Variations
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with Pineapple
Add ½ cup very well-drained crushed pineapple for a sweet tropical twist.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with Ham
Stir in diced ham for a heartier side dish.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with Bacon
Crispy bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with Crab
Add imitation crab for a Hawaiian plate lunch-inspired version.
Spicy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
More Summer Side Dish Recipes
If you love easy side dishes that are perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and family gatherings, these recipes are sure to be a hit. From creamy pasta salads and classic potato salad to crowd-pleasing dips and homemade bread, these dishes pair perfectly with all your favorite summer meals. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and ideal for sharing with family and friends.
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – all the flavors of a classic Caesar salad are combined with tender pasta and chicken to create a hearty side dish that is perfect for picnics and potlucks.
- Hoagie Dip – loaded with deli meats, cheese, and fresh toppings, this easy dip brings all the flavors of your favorite hoagie sandwich to the appetizer table.
- Deviled Egg Potato Salad – two cookout favorites come together in this creamy and flavorful potato salad that is always a crowd-pleasing addition to summer gatherings.
- Homemade Hawaiian Rolls – soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, these homemade rolls are perfect for serving alongside barbecue, sandwiches, and family dinners.
- Tuna Pasta Salad – tender pasta, tuna, and a creamy dressing come together in this easy summer side dish that is perfect for picnics, lunches, and backyard cookouts.
Did you make this HAWAIIAN MAC SALAD, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for the upcoming warmer weather. This macaroni salad is light, creamy and has a perfectly tangy, sweet dressing. This pasta salad is simple and delicious. Elbow pasta, mayonnaise, milk, sugar, apple cider vinegar, carrots and green onion make up this delicious, refreshing salad.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni noodles, I like to use the jumbo kind
- 1 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 4 scallions, sliced
Instructions
- Boil your pasta according to the box directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the pasta, carrots, and green onions.
- Stir everything to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to cool. The longer this sits the better!
Notes
- Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- You can use any short pasta you like.
- You can add celery or grated onion or boiled egg if you like.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 391Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 663mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 3g
