Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe – Straight From the Islands to Your Table!
There’s something magical about the simplicity of Hawaiian-style macaroni salad. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and always hits the spot. This side dish is a staple on the islands—served at every BBQ, luau, and lunch plate. And once you taste it? You’ll want to keep it in the fridge all summer long.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups mayonnaise (preferably Best Foods or Hellmann’s)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
- ½ small onion, finely grated or minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish or chopped green onions
Instructions:
- Boil macaroni until very soft (a little past al dente, about 1–2 minutes more than usual). Drain and toss with vinegar while still warm. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, and sugar. Stir in shredded carrots, onion, and relish (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold in the cooled macaroni and mix until every piece is well coated. Don’t be afraid to add more mayo if it looks dry—Hawaiian mac salad should be rich and creamy!
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better). Stir again before serving.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Recipe Snapshot
| Hawaiian Macaroni Salad | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Chill Time | 2+ hours |
| Serves | 6–8 |
| Texture | Extra creamy & tender |
FAQs
Q: Why is the pasta cooked longer?
Traditional Hawaiian mac salad has a softer texture—it soaks up the dressing better and gives that iconic mouthfeel.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Q: Is sweet pickle relish necessary?
Not at all—some classic versions don’t use it, but it adds a nice sweet punch if you like it.
Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
Stick with elbows for the authentic texture and look. Other shapes don’t soak up the sauce the same way.
This salad is more than a side—it’s part of Hawaiian comfort food culture. Creamy, cool, and downright addictive. Serve it with grilled meat, fried chicken, or eat it straight from the bowl like I do!
