Why You’ll Love This hawaiian macaroni salad
- Ease of preparation: This Hawaiian macaroni salad recipe is quick and straightforward, requiring only a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time. Cooking the elbow macaroni slightly over al dente and then rinsing it speeds up the process while guaranteeing a soft, creamy texture traditional to the salad.
- Health benefits: Rich in carbohydrates and moderate protein, this salad offers a comforting yet balanced side dish. The addition of shredded carrots provides vitamins and fiber, supporting digestion and overall wellness. Using traditional mayonnaise delivers healthy fats, while using alternatives like Greek yogurt can increase protein and reduce calories.
- Versatility: The recipe is highly adaptable, accommodating vegan diets through plant-based mayonnaise and milk substitutes, and gluten-free diets by choosing gluten-free pasta. It fits well into various meal plans and pairs effortlessly with Hawaiian classics or even steak stir fry and shrimp stir fry dishes.
- Distinctive flavor: What sets this Hawaiian macaroni salad apart is its creamy mayonnaise-based dressing blended with tangy apple cider vinegar and a subtle sweetness from sugar. The addition of optional seasonings such as paprika and turmeric adds vibrant color and depth, giving it that signature island flavor loved in luaus and plate lunches.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This hawaiian macaroni salad
- 2. Essential Ingredients for hawaiian macaroni salad
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect hawaiian macaroni salad: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your hawaiian macaroni salad
- 5. Mastering hawaiian macaroni salad: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store hawaiian macaroni salad: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About hawaiian macaroni salad
- 8. hawaiian macaroni salad
Essential Ingredients for hawaiian macaroni salad
- 1 pound (about 450 grams) elbow macaroni – forms the tender and creamy base of the salad
- 2 medium carrots, shredded – adds crunch, color, and nutrients like vitamin A
- ¼ cup shredded onion (optional) – provides a mild sharpness and depth
- 2 ½ cups mayonnaise (traditional preferred) – creamy dressing that binds ingredients
- ¼ cup milk – adjusts creaminess and texture of the dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – introduces tanginess that brightens flavors
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar – balances acidity with slight sweetness
- Kosher salt, to taste – enhances all flavors
- Ground black pepper, to taste – adds mild spice and seasoning
- Optional seasonings: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, up to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – for extra flavor complexity and vibrant color
Special Dietary Options
- Vegan: Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use plant-based milk, such as unsweetened cashew milk, to maintain creaminess.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make the salad suitable for gluten-intolerant diets.
- Low-calorie: Replace mayonnaise partially or fully with Greek yogurt or low-fat alternatives to reduce fat and calories.
How to Prepare the Perfect hawaiian macaroni salad: Step-by-Step Guide
First Step: Cook and Cool the Macaroni
Begin by boiling 1 pound of elbow macaroni in salted water, cooking it slightly beyond al dente to soften (approximately 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles completely. This step helps maintain the ideal creamy, tender texture essential to authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad.
Second Step: Prepare and Chill the Base
Transfer the cooled macaroni into a large bowl. Toss it gently with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to add a subtle tang and prevent the pasta from sticking. Add the shredded carrots and shredded onion (if using). Mix everything well and refrigerate for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to chill slightly.
Third Step: Mix the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of traditional mayonnaise, ¼ cup milk, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, turmeric, or cayenne pepper. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, creamy dressing that balances tangy and sweet flavors.
Fourth Step: Combine Salad and Dressing
Gently fold the mayonnaise dressing into the macaroni mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated without breaking the pasta. Season the salad to taste with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Stir carefully to distribute the seasoning uniformly.
Final Step: Refrigerate and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. Before serving, gently stir the salad again. If it has thickened or dried out, add a small splash of milk to restore a creamy consistency. Serve chilled as a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with Hawaiian-inspired meals or hearty steak and shrimp stir fry dishes.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your hawaiian macaroni salad
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
- Add diced ham or shredded chicken for those who want a protein boost alongside the salad.
- For vegan versions, incorporate plant-based protein options like chickpeas or tofu cubes.
- Swap traditional elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables for gluten-free preferences.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
- Replace celery with cucumber or bell peppers for different crunch and freshness.
- Use vegan mayonnaise or substitute part of the mayo with Greek yogurt for varied creaminess and tang.
- Add fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to introduce a fresh aromatic note.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing crushed pineapple or sugar, or try using low-sugar pineapple varieties.
Mastering hawaiian macaroni salad: Advanced Tips and Variations
To keep your Hawaiian macaroni salad perfectly creamy, slightly overcook the macaroni and rinse it well this traditional method is the secret to the salad’s classic texture.
- Pro cooking techniques: Refrigerate the macaroni and dressing separately if preparing ahead to avoid the pasta soaking up too much moisture. Also, gently fold ingredients to retain the salad’s texture.
- Flavor variations: Toss in diced jalapeños or a splash of lime juice for an extra zesty kick. Substitute pineapple with mango slices for a tropical twist on classic flavors.
- Presentation tips: Serve salad in a hollowed-out pineapple shell for festive appeal, garnished with toasted coconut flakes or fresh parsley for added texture and color.
- Make-ahead options: Prepare the macaroni and dressing separately a day in advance, then mix before serving for optimal freshness and flavor balance.
How to Store hawaiian macaroni salad: Best Practices
Storage Method | Guidelines |
---|---|
Refrigeration | Store Hawaiian macaroni salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor. |
Freezing | Freezing is not recommended as mayonnaise and pasta can separate and lose texture upon thawing. |
Reheating | This salad is best served cold or at room temperature; reheating is unnecessary and may alter texture. |
Meal prep | Prepare pasta and dressing separately and combine just before serving for best texture in advance meal prepping. |

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About hawaiian macaroni salad
What type of mayonnaise is best for making authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad?
The most recommended mayonnaise for Hawaiian macaroni salad is Best Foods Mayonnaise, also known as Hellmann’s in some regions. This brand delivers a creamy texture and familiar flavor that closely matches traditional recipes. Using other mayonnaise brands may change the taste and texture, so Best Foods or Hellmann’s is preferred for the classic Hawaiian mac salad experience.
Should I rinse the cooked macaroni before mixing it with the dressing?
Yes, rinsing cooked macaroni under cold water is an important step. It halts the cooking process to prevent overly soft noodles and removes excess starch, which helps the pasta hold its shape. This also keeps the salad creamier by preventing the macaroni from absorbing too much mayonnaise dressing.
Can Hawaiian macaroni salad be prepared ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Hawaiian macaroni salad can be made up to 48 hours in advance. To keep the texture fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, you may need to stir in a small amount of milk or additional mayonnaise to restore creaminess, as pasta tends to absorb dressing over time.
Is it possible to make a vegan or gluten-free version of Hawaiian macaroni salad?
Yes, you can make vegan Hawaiian macaroni salad by substituting regular mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise options, such as those made by Hellmann’s Vegan Mayonnaise. For a gluten-free version, simply replace traditional elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta varieties. These substitutions maintain much of the original flavor and texture.
Why is Hawaiian macaroni salad considered a staple in Hawaiian plate lunches?
Hawaiian macaroni salad has been a popular side since the early 1900s plantation era because it is affordable, easy to prepare, and has a longer shelf life than potato salad. It balances the rich, salty flavors of meats typically served in plate lunches and offers a creamy, slightly sweet complement, making it a beloved comfort food in Hawaii.

hawaiian macaroni salad
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes to overnight
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan adaptable
Description
🍍 Enjoy the creamy, comforting taste of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, a beloved classic with a rich, tangy dressing.
🥩🍤 Perfectly pairs with steak and shrimp stir fry to create a flavor-packed, satisfying meal experience.
Ingredients
– 1 pound elbow macaroni
– 2 medium carrots
– ¼ cup shredded onion
– 2 ½ cups mayonnaise
– ¼ cup milk
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
– Kosher salt
– Ground black pepper
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ¼ teaspoon turmeric
– ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
1-First Step: Cook and Cool the Macaroni. Begin by boiling 1 pound of elbow macaroni in salted water, cooking it slightly beyond al dente to soften (approximately 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles completely. This step helps maintain the ideal creamy, tender texture essential to authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad.
2-Second Step: Prepare and Chill the Base. Transfer the cooled macaroni into a large bowl. Toss it gently with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to add a subtle tang and prevent the pasta from sticking. Add the shredded carrots and shredded onion (if using). Mix everything well and refrigerate for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to chill slightly.
3-Third Step: Mix the Creamy Dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of traditional mayonnaise, ¼ cup milk, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, turmeric, or cayenne pepper. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, creamy dressing that balances tangy and sweet flavors.
4-Fourth Step: Combine Salad and Dressing. Gently fold the mayonnaise dressing into the macaroni mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated without breaking the pasta. Season the salad to taste with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Stir carefully to distribute the seasoning uniformly.
5-Final Step: Refrigerate and Serve. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. Before serving, gently stir the salad again. If it has thickened or dried out, add a small splash of milk to restore a creamy consistency. Serve chilled as a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with Hawaiian-inspired meals or hearty steak and shrimp stir fry dishes.
Notes
🍝 Rinsing the cooked macaroni stops the cooking process and helps maintain the ideal creamy texture.
⏲ Slightly overcooking the pasta is traditional and results in the classic soft texture.
🌱 For a lighter version, substitute some or all mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use vegan mayo and plant-based milk for a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling time: 4 hours to overnight
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, mixing, chilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 151
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 11 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, Steak, Shrimp, Flavor-Packed
This macaroni salad brings back memories of our family trip to Maui last summer. 🌺 I added a bit more pineapple to give it an extra sweet kick. Yum! Has anyone tried adding shredded carrots for a crunch?
★★★★★