Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

Lush Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe: Island Bliss in a Bowl

Hawaiian macaroni salad brings tropical comfort to every backyard barbecue and potluck gathering.

This classic side dish blends rich, tangy flavors that dance across your palate with effortless charm.

Generations of island cooks have perfected this creamy recipe, passing down secrets from one kitchen to another.

The mayo-dressed pasta captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine with its simple yet irresistible blend of ingredients.

Tender elbow macaroni provides the perfect canvas for a luscious dressing that coats each noodle with creamy goodness.

Crisp carrots and green onions add a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish.

You won’t be able to resist this crowd-pleasing salad that promises to become a staple at your summer cookouts.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes in Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

For Pasta Base:
  • Elbow Macaroni: Soft-cooked pasta provides the classic Hawaiian-style creamy and tender foundation for this iconic side dish.
For Dressing Enhancers:
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps the pasta absorb more flavor while cooling down the noodles.
For Flavor Boosters:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that creates the signature rich and smooth texture typical of Hawaiian mac salad.
  • Milk: Helps thin out mayonnaise for a silky, glossy coating that clings perfectly to the pasta.
  • Green Onions: Brings fresh, mild onion notes and a pop of color to the salad.
  • Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances the creamy dressing.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the salad's flavor profile.

Tools for Island-Style Pasta Prep

  • Large Pot: Essential for boiling macaroni pasta to perfect softness.
  • Colander: Needed to drain macaroni after cooking, allowing quick cooling.
  • Mixing Bowl: Crucial for tossing pasta with vinegar and combining ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring macaroni and ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing pasta thoroughly.

Toss Together This Creamy Macaroni Salad

  • Cook Pasta

Boil macaroni in salted water until soft and slightly mushy, which gives the classic Hawaiian-style texture. The pasta should be more tender than typical al dente pasta.

  • Season While Warm

Splash apple cider vinegar over the hot pasta and gently mix, allowing the pasta to absorb the tangy flavor. Let the pasta rest and cool down for a few minutes.

  • Prepare Creamy Dressing

Whisk together mayonnaise, milk, grated onion, and a touch of sugar to create a smooth, rich dressing that will coat the pasta perfectly.

  • Combine and Chill

Fold the creamy dressing into the cooled pasta, ensuring every noodle gets a generous coating. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and develop a deeper taste.

  • Final Touch

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed. The salad should be creamy, tangy, and cool – a true Hawaiian-style side dish that complements any main course.

Tropical Twists for Hawaiian Mac Salad

  • Pasta Perfection: Cook macaroni 1-2 minutes longer than package directions for that classic Hawaiian-style soft, creamy texture that absorbs dressing beautifully.
  • Vinegar Magic: Splashing warm pasta with apple cider vinegar helps the noodles soak up flavor and prevents clumping, creating a more authentic taste profile.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo or cashew cream for a plant-based version that maintains the creamy consistency and rich flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after chilling overnight, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Protein Power: Boost nutrition by adding shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or canned tuna to transform the side dish into a complete meal for protein lovers.

Chill, Serve, and Pair with Hawaiian Flair

  • Tropical Picnic Companion: Pack this creamy salad in a portable container for beach days or backyard luaus, chilling it beforehand to keep the texture perfect.
  • BBQ Side Dish Delight: Serve alongside grilled meats like teriyaki chicken or kalua pork, letting the cool, tangy pasta complement the smoky flavors.
  • Potluck Party Stunner: Prepare a day ahead and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator, making it an easy and impressive contribution to group gatherings.
  • Lunch Box Star: Portion into individual containers for a satisfying midday meal that brings a taste of Hawaiian comfort to your workday or school lunch.

Storing Your Mac Salad for Later

  • Smart Batch Prep: Make a large double recipe and store portions in airtight containers for quick lunches or side dishes throughout the week. Refrigerate up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
  • Chilling Strategy: Allow salad to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain ideal texture. Gently stir before serving to redistribute ingredients and revive creamy consistency.
  • Ingredient Separation: Keep wet and dry ingredients slightly separate if planning to store longer than 24 hours. Mix mayonnaise and vegetables just before serving to prevent soggy macaroni and maintain crisp vegetable crunch.
  • Temperature Wisdom: Always serve chilled between 35-40°F to enhance flavor profile and ensure food safety. Use a digital thermometer for precise monitoring when preparing for potlucks or outdoor gatherings.
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Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hawaiian macaroni salad delivers a creamy, tangy twist on classic pasta sides from Pacific island cuisine. Local ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a crowd-pleasing summer staple you can easily enjoy at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups/473 ml elbow macaroni
  • 1 ½ cups/355 ml mayonnaise
  • 1 cup/236 ml shredded carrots
  • ½ cup/118 ml crushed pineapple
  • ½ cup/118 ml celery (finely chopped)
  • ½ cup/118 ml apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup/59 ml whole milk
  • ¼ cup/59 ml sweet onion (finely minced)
  • 1 tbsp/15 ml sugar
  • 1 tsp/5 ml salt
  • ½ tsp/2.5 ml black pepper

Instructions

  1. Macaroni Preparation: Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water until exceptionally tender, surpassing the traditional al dente texture to achieve the quintessential Hawaiian-style softness.
  2. Flavor Infusion: Drain pasta completely, then immediately drench with apple cider vinegar, allowing the hot noodles to absorb the tangy liquid rapidly, which will permeate and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  3. Cooling and Marination: Spread the vinegar-saturated macaroni on a broad surface, permitting it to cool and rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling complete absorption of the vinegar and developing the signature relaxed texture characteristic of authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad.

Notes

  • Overcook Pasta Deliberately: Cook macaroni 2-3 minutes longer than package instructions to achieve the traditional Hawaiian-style soft, almost mushy texture that distinguishes this regional dish.
  • Vinegar Absorption Technique: Splash apple cider vinegar immediately after draining hot pasta to help noodles absorb maximum flavor and create a tangy base that defines the salad’s unique profile.
  • Room Temperature Resting: Allow pasta to cool completely at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, which helps noodles fully soak up dressing and prevents mayonnaise from becoming watery when mixed.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for lighter versions, and use gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining authentic Hawaiian flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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