Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This Macaroni Hawaiian Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. It is perfect for any summer BBQ or potluck, and can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner option.
I love to serve a scoop of creamy and tangy pasta salad like this on my dinner or lunch plate. It’s refreshing on a warm day when you want something on the lighter side.
If you are pasta salad recipes like this one, you may also enjoy this Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad or this Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad with Pesto.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This Hawaiian Style Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for your summer meals.
- This simple recipe will give you the flavor of the Hawaiian Islands without having to leave the house.
- This salad isn’t dripping with mayonnaise. There is just enough to stick to the noddles giving them the flavor we love.
- It’s also a family favorite salad that will get rave reviews with your guests.
- Bring this to your next potluck. It’s simple to make and won’t break the bank.
If you are looking for another tropical-inspired recipe to make for your family next time give this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry a try!
Equipment Needed
You will need a couple of kitchen tools to help you make this classic Hawaiian macaroni salad recipe:
- large pot
- large bowl
- small bowl
- colander
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to help you make this flavorful authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad. Pick up these ingredients on your next trip to the grocery store.
- dry elbow macaroni noodles I used large
- mayonnaise
- milk
- sugar
- apple cider vinegar
- sweet onions
- carrot
- celery stalks
- salt and black pepper
How to Make Macaroni Hawaiian Salad
Making this macaroni pasta salad is simple. Just follow the step-by-step directions or find the full instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1. Prepare the Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse with warm water, and drain completely. Set aside and cool completely.
Step 2. Whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, vinegar and onion.
Step 3. In a large bowl add prepared pasta, dressing, chopped celery, and shredded carrots. Season with salt and pepper.
What To Serve With Mac Salad
If you have ever been to the Hawaiian islands then you will know that macaroni salad is served plated with a protein like Hawaiian Pulled Pork, Kalua Pork, Teriyaki chicken or huli huli chicken.
I also like to pair it with these simple protein sources Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple or Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa. No matter what you decide to serve it with, your family will love it.
Substitutions and Additions
Here are a few tried and true swaps that you can use to make this summer cookout favorite suit your taste buds.
- This is a great recipe to experiment with. Keep it island-style or add other flavors like chopped olives or diced zucchini. Hard-boiled eggs will make a great addition to this creamy pasta salad recipe.
- Want to make the mayo dressing a little healthier? Try swapping out the mayo for sour cream or greek yogurt instead.
- For a beautiful garnish slice a green onion, and sprinkle it on top of the salad before serving.
- For a little extra protein (and complete meal) try adding one cup of cooked chicken or imitation crab to your pasta salad.
How To Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure that you give it a good stir before you serve the pasta salad. You may need to add some milk to liven up the creamy texture.
Sandra’s Pro Tips
Here are a few tips that you can use to ensure that this island twist on classic macaroni salad turns out perfect for you.
- I like to cook my pasta in a large pot of salted water. While the pasta is boiling is the only time you have to season the pasta, so don’t skip this step.
- For the perfect texture of your pasta, make sure that you follow the package directions and cook it until it is just al dente. Each brand has different cooking times so make sure to check your brand.
- I don’t recommend adding hot pasta to your dressing, so make sure that you allow the cooked pasta to cool to room temperature before you combine the pasta dressing.
- I like to use a sweet onion, however, if you don’t have one you can use a yellow onion or white onion instead.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
he main difference between the two is that Hawaiian salad typically has a sweet and creamy dressing instead of a tangy dressing made with Italian flavors.
Yes, you can make this salad up to 24 hours in advance. The dressing may be a little thinner the next day, so if you are planning to make it ahead, you may want to store the dressing separately in the fridge or double the dressing to have extra on hand.
Other Delicious Summer Salad Recipes You May Enjoy
Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Equipment
- Serving bowl
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni noodles
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup onion grated sweet onion, Maui or Vidalia
- 1 carrot grated
- 4 celery stalks diced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil elbow macaroni noodles according to package directions.
- Drain, rinse with warm water and drain completely.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, vinegar and onion.
- In a large mixing bowl combine macaroni and dressing. Fold in carrot and celery. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill before serving.
Notes
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water. While the pasta is boiling is the only time you have to season the pasta, so don’t skip this step.
- For the perfect texture of your pasta, make sure that you follow the package directions and cook it until it is just al dente. Each brand has different cooking times so make sure to check your brand.
- I don’t recommend adding hot pasta to your dressing, so make sure that you allow the cooked pasta to cool to room temperature before you combine the pasta dressing.
- I like to use a sweet onion, however, if you don’t have one you can use a yellow onion or white onion instead.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
This recipe was first posted June 2014. It has been updated with new photos and additional content, 2025.
Sounds yummy, pinning 🙂
Thank you, Lori! I appreciate that.
I would love to dig into a big bowl of that macaroni salad right now! YUM!
I was not familiar with Hawaiian style macaroni salad, but it sounds perfect for any summer gathering! And I love that you lightened it up!
Thank you, Liz! It’s a great dish to share at gatherings, and no one will ever know you spared them a few extra calories 🙂
Father’s day weekend is right around the corner and a great way to celebrate the grilling season with a delightful Hawaiian pasta salad.
Don’t you love this time of year when you can grill so often! This pasta dish really does go with with any main dish.
How perfect! I am going to a potluck this weekend, and guess what I’m bringing!
Great timing! Thank you, Sheryl!!
This looks delicious! Love pasta salad!
Thank you, Serena! Marconi salads always reminds me of picnics!