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A white bowl filled with macaroni salad, containing elbow macaroni and a creamy dressing, is shown with a spoon inside. Celery and seashells are visible around the bowl.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Chef Jenn
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and comforting pasta salad that’s a staple in island plate lunches. Made with tender elbow macaroni, mayo, vinegar, and a touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect cool and satisfying side for BBQs, potlucks, or anytime you crave a taste of the islands.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Hawaiian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 440 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup carrots shredded
  • ½ cup celery finely chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
  • ¼ cup green onions chopped

Instructions
 

  • Boil macaroni in salted water until soft—about 2 minutes past al dente. This softer texture is typical of Hawaiian-style pasta salad. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
  • Pour in the apple cider vinegar and toss to coat evenly. Spread the pasta on a baking sheet to cool for 10–15 minutes. This helps with even mixing and prevents the dressing from separating.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, sugar, salt, and black pepper. It should be smooth and pourable.
  • Combine the cooled pasta with the dressing. Add in the shredded carrots, celery, red onion, and green onions (if using). Stir gently until everything is fully coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. If you can, let it chill longer—it's even better after the flavors meld.
  • Serve cold, straight from the fridge. Give it a quick stir before plating and watch it disappear.

Notes

Chef Jenn's Tips

  • Soft pasta may feel wrong, but it’s the real deal for Hawaiian-style macaroni salad.
  • For best texture and flavor, use a quality mayo—Hellmann’s, Best Foods, or Kewpie are solid picks.
  • Chill time matters. Aim for at least an hour, but overnight gives you max flavor payoff.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 19gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 583mgPotassium: 205mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2785IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword BBQ sides, creamy mac salad, creamy pasta salad, Hawaiian macaroni salad, luau side dish
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