Delicious Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe that you can make the day before you need to serve it. It is so easy to make and tastes fantastic.
Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe
Years ago, back in college, I spent a summer semester living on the Big Island of Hawaii studying Marine Biology. I was lucky enough to get an internship working with bottlenose dolphins and spent an additional semester living on the island. While on the Big Island, I fell in LOVE with Hawaii.
There is something special about being on the island and living the Aloha spirit. It has been a couple of years since we were able to be on the island, and I miss it so much. It was finally time to start making some of my favorite recipes at home.
I made Hawaiian Hurricane Popcorn a couple of months ago and still want to make lilikoi malasada, loco moco, and a few other favorites from my time on the island.
This Hawaiian Mac Salad is essential for a Hawaiian Plate Lunch, which includes two scoops of white rice, mac salad, and an entree. If there are two entrees, then it is called a mixed plate. Popular entrees include Chicken Katsu, Teriyaki Beef, Kalua Pork, and LauLau.
Whether served with a plate lunch or as a side dish, this recipe will become a family favorite!
When I made this Hawaii Mac Salad, I invited one of our friends who grew up on the Big Island over to test the recipe. I knew she would not hold back and would tell me if the flavor was not what she grew up with. It was a great feeling when she asked for the leftovers and took home multiple packages of Mac Salad.
She said she hadn't had it in too long and planned to enjoy it for as long as possible.
Ingredients
Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make an epic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.
- Elbow Macaroni
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Carrots
- Mayonnaise
- Milk
- Sugar
- Salt and Pepper
Optional: Onion, Green Onions, or Celery
Mayonnaise - When it comes to the brand of mayo to use I highly suggest using Best Foods to get the most authentic flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Covered large bowl - I suggest using a large bowl that has a cover or saran wrap to cover the bowl in the refrigerator.
- Large Pot - to boil the macaroni
- Wooden Spoons
- Small Bowl/Whisk - to make the mayo, milk and sugar for the dressing.
How to Make Hawaiian Mac Salad
I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.
- Cook pasta according to the box instructions, drain, and pour into a large bowl.
- Add apple cider vinegar and shredded carrots to the hot macaroni. Toss together. Refrigerate until cool.
- Combine mayonnaise, milk, and sugar in a bowl.
- When the macaroni has cooled down, fold the mayonnaise dressing into the pasta until the noodles have an even coating.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours. Gently stir the pasta salad before serving.
Preparation and Storage
Make Ahead:
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is best when it rests for a minimum of 4 hours but preferably 24 hours before serving. Make sure to cover and refrigerate before serving so the flavors meld together.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them within three days.
Freezing/How to Freeze: Mayonnaise does not freeze well, so we do not recommend freezing this Hawaiian Mac Salad.
Recipe Variations
Substitutions:
I recommend using Best Foods mayonnaise to get the most authentic flavor. However, you can use any real mayo available if you do not have Best Foods mayo or can’t find it at the store.
Miracle Whip will not taste the same in this macaroni salad.
Vegetarian Option: This Hawaiian Mac Salad is 100 percent vegetarian!
Vegan Option: Replace the mayonnaise and milk with plant-based substitutes to make this recipe vegan.
Gluten-Free: Gluten-free eaters should use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make this pasta salad safe for a gluten-free diet.
Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings: The written recipe makes ten servings. Scale it up or down to your desired yield.
Make It Spicy: Hawaiian Mac Salad is not typically served spicy, but we have seen recipes that add heat with cayenne pepper, sriracha, or Tabasco if you want a spicy version.
Sugar-Free: The written recipe contains 4 grams of sugar per serving. Replace the white sugar with a sugar-free alternative to make it sugar-free.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Mac Salad
- Cook the macaroni according to the box directions so it cooks correctly.
- You will want to use a larger bowl than you think you need! The first time I made it, I realized the bowl I planned to use was too small for my mac salad.
- We do not put grated onion in our mac salad, but you can easily add it if you love the taste.
- Make sure to stir before serving.
What to Serve with Hawaiian Mac Salad
Make this traditional Hawaiian lunch plate side part of your next summertime gathering, luau, or potluck! Here are some menu pairing suggestions.
Sides: Pineapple Stuffing, Hawaiian Hurricane Popcorn, Watermelon Salad, CrockPot Jamaican Jerk Wings, CrockPot Spicy Mango Jerk Wings
Main Dishes: CrockPot Teriyaki Chicken, Funeral Sandwiches, CrockPot Hawaiian Chicken, CrockPot Teriyaki Chicken and Veggies, CrockPot Pineapple Salsa Chicken Tacos, CrockPot Hawaiian Pulled Pork
Desserts: Pig Pickin' Cake, Mandarin Orange Jello Salad, Pineapple Angel Food Cake, CopyCat Sonic Coconut Cream Pie Shake, 2 Ingredient Coconut Macaroon Cookies, Bahama Mama Popsicle, Piña Colada Poke Cake, Key Lime Bars, Coconut Pineapple Drop Cookies
Drinks: Vodka Sunrise, Malibu Sunset, Carnival Rum Jumper Cocktail, Carnival Ting Mojito, Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot, Blue Shark Cocktail, CopyCat Carnival Caribbean Breeze Cocktail, Dirty Banana Cocktail, Mai Tai, Guavaberry Colada, Coral Reef Cocktail
When to Serve
- Summer Parties
- Potlucks
- Tiki Parties
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
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Best Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Elbow Macaroni
- 2 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Carrots Shredded
- 2.5 cups Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Milk
- 2 teaspoon White Sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to the box instructions, drain and pour into a large bowl
- Add apple cider vinegar and shredded carrots to the hot macaroni. Toss together. Refrigerate until cool.
- Combine mayonnaise, milk and sugar together in a bowl.
- When the macaroni has cooled down fold the Mayonnaise dressing into the pasta until noodles are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours. Gently stir the pasta salad before serving.
Kitchen Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl
Pat
So simple yet so ono!
Jana Anjum
It is delicious 😋. Like the layout of your site. Thank you.