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.

Classic Hawaiian macaroni salad with diced celery and carrots in a white bowl.

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. 

Ingredients to make Hawaiian pasta salad.
  • 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.

Dressing in a blue bowl for pasta salad.

Step 2. Whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, vinegar and onion.

Ingredients in a mixing bowl for pasta salad.

Step 3. In a large bowl add prepared pasta, dressing, chopped celery, and shredded carrots. Season with salt and pepper.

Top view of Hawaiian pasta salad in a serving bowl ready to enjoy.

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.
Plate lunch of chicken, watermelon, and Hawaiian macaroni salad on a white serving plate.

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. 
Top view of pasta salad in small blue serving dishes.

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. 

What is the difference between Hawaiian pasta salad and traditional macaroni salad?

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.

Can I make this ahead? 

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

Hawaiian macaroni salad in a large bowl with wooden serving spoons.

Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian Style Macaroni Salad is a great dish for summer potlucks and barbecue gatherings. Keep the dish simple or add some of your favorite ingredients like diced hard boiled eggs.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Uncategorized
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Calories: 261kcal
Author: Sandra Shaffer

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

Serving: 1g | Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 194mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g

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.

Hawaiian style macaroni salad in a white serving dish.


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13 Comments

  1. 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!