Hawaiian macaroni salad is the perfect summer side dish made with cooked macaroni pasta tossed with shredded carrot and onion in a creamy, mayonnaise based sauce.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad also known as Hawaiian Mac Salad is such a creamy and delicious side dish. When my sister requested that I make her some macaroni salad, I wanted to switch it up and started to do a little research. I was so happy to stumble upon this recipe. It totally hit the spot!
By using such few ingredients, you can really taste how each one compliments each other so nicely. I can’t get enough of this. Not only did my sister just love it, but my whole entire family did, too. Myself included big time. This is the perfect side dish to bring along for a picnic in the spring or summer time BBQ. It’s perfect served along side hotdogs and hamburgers or sandwiches for lunch.
Whats Makes This "Hawaiian" Macaroni Salad?
Hawaiian macaroni salad is different from traditional versions because its made with a creamy mayonnaise based dressing, overcooked pasta, and very few ingredients. Traditional macaroni salads usually have a variety of vegetables and a tangy, lighter dressing too.
Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make this delicious pasta salad. You can find the full recipe along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.
- Elbow Macaroni Pasta- The perfect base to soak up all the delicious dressing.
- Hellmann’s Mayonnaise- The creamy base for the dressing.
- Carrot- Adds a subtle sweetness, color and crunch.
- Onion- The perfect crunch and nice contrast to the soft pasta
- Apple Cider Vinegar- Brings just the right amount of acidity
- Sugar- Sweetens the dressing slightly
- Milk- Loosens the dressing to the perfect consistency.
- Salt and Pepper- Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
How To Make It
Here's how to make this delicious side salad. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.
First, add the cooked past, shredded carrot, onion and apple cider vinegar to a large bowl. Toss it all together, cover with plastic wrap and place it into the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
NOTE: Hawaiian macaroni salad uses fully cooked or even slightly "mushy" pasta. Traditional macaroni salad uses pasta cooked to "al dente". Choose whatever you'd like. Its all about preference here.
PRO TIP: Adding the apple cider vinegar to the pasta and letting it sit in the fridge for a bit
Now, in a separate bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, salt and pepper and pour it onto the macaroni. Stir it all together until it’s evenly combined. Cover it again and place it back into the refrigerator for at least an hour. Finally, give it one final stir together, serve cold and enjoy!
PRO TIP: Make a little extra dressing to stir in before serving if the pasta absorbs too much while it sits in the fridge.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you absolutely can make this ahead of time. Its actually even better if it sits in the fridge for a few hours. Just keep in mind that the macaroni will absorb some of the dressing. Make a little extra to stir in before serving so that it's not too dry.
What Should I Serve This With?
I love side dishes like this one because it can be served with so many things. I love to make this in the summer and serve it next to some hot dogs, burgers and grilled chicken. Its also an amazing compliment to a simple lunch sandwich.
Storage
Place the macaroni salad in a food safe air tight container and it will last in the fridge for up to three days.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 Oz Elbow Macaroni Pasta, cooked and rinsed under cold water
- 1 ¼ Cup Hellmann’s Mayonnaise
- 1 Medium Carrot, peeled and shredded
- 3 Tbs Onion, shredded
- 1 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 2 Tbs Milk
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the cooked past, shredded carrot, onion and apple cider vinegar to a large bowl. Toss it all together, cover with plastic wrap and place it into the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, salt and pepper and pour it onto the macaroni. Stir it all together until it’s evenly combined. Cover it again and place it back into the refrigerator for at least an hour. Finally, give it one final stir together, serve cold and enjoy!
Video
Other Easy Pasta Salads
If you like super easy to make pasta salad recipes like this one, you have to try this Italian Combo Pasta Salad, Mom's Famous Tortellini Salad and Bacon And Peas Pasta Salad.
Al Dente Diva says
Hi!! Thanks so much for the awesome comment. All that food sounds delicious!! Thank you!
Debra says
Aloha!! This recipe is spot on! I lived on Maui for 3 decades and this is exactly the way I and my friends make it! Sometimes diced boiled potatoes are added. Add a scoop of sticky rice and some huli huli or shoyu chicken, kalua pork, or kalbi ribs and you have a onolicious plate lunch! Mahalo lui loa for taking me back home. ????