This authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe is a classic side dish popular in Hawaiian restaurants. A creamy mayonnaise based pasta salad that has simple ingredients with big flavors.
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Homemade salads are easy and delicious. Another favorite is Avocado Chickpea Tuna Salad and Egg Salad, both are great lunch salads. A dinner salad we love is light Greek Chicken Salad, at least once a week.
Why you'll love this recipe
- This recipe will quickly become a family favorite because it's easy to make, so you spend less time in the kitchen.
- Our mac salad uses simple ingredients so you don't have to worry about breaking your grocery budget.
- The creamy dressing is packed with tangy flavor.
- Macaroni salad with Hawaiian flavors pairs perfectly with so many Main Dishes.
Ingredient List
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- elbow macaroni noodles
- mayonnaise
- milk
- apple cider vinegar
- white sugar
- salt
- ground black pepper
- shredded carrot
- scallions
Equipment
- Large Stockpot
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
- Colander
- Wooden Spoon
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
Step 1: Make the dressing, and add in the shredded carrots and green onions.
Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients and then cover and chill for 1 - 12 hours before serving.
Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe? Here are some ways to vary the flavors of this recipe.
- Want to make this recipe a little healthier? Swap out the mayo for vegan mayo or plain Greek yogurt.
- Pasta: I like to use dry elbow macaroni, but any short pasta can be used.
- Protein: Add some leftover cooked ham or chicken to it for a protein boost.
Eileen's Tips for Success
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Since different varieties have different cook times, check the box for specifics.
- If the sauce is a little thick, add a little milk to thin it out, and get the creamy texture you enjoy.
- Make sure that your pasta is not hot when you add it to the dressing, you don't want it to continue to cook, so allow it to cool slightly.
Make-ahead, storage, and freezer tips
Make ahead - This pasta salad can be made up to 12 hours in advance. The longer it chills, the better it tastes.
Storage - Keep the pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you don't have a lid that fits your large bowl, you can cover it with plastic wrap instead.
Freezing - I don't recommend freezing this salad as the texture of the pasta may change and become mushy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
This salad is believed to have been inspired by European potato salad. However, the history is unclear.
Pasta salad got its name because it's made with pasta instead of the traditional lettuce or other greens found in most salads.
Pasta salad can be served either warm or cold, depending on personal preference.
I recommend chilling the pasta salad in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil 8 ounces elbow macaroni noodles according to the box directions. Drain and set aside.
- Whisk 1 ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup milk, 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cooked pasta, 1 cup shredded carrots, and 4 stalks chopped scallions. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to cool and blend flavors. Can be refrigerated overnight. The longer this sits the better.
- Serve and enjoy.
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