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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes » Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

    Modified: May 20, 2025 · Published: Mar 7, 2024 by Angela G. · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

    110 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    This simple pasta salad recipe can be enjoyed as-is for an authentic experience or added to with many optional extras such as diced ham, pineapple, bell peppers and the macaroni can be swapped with tortellini or any style pasta you like. Serves a crowd!

    Simple Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
    Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
    Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
    Simple Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
    Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
    Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

    Pair this macaroni pasta salad with Crispy Katsu Chicken, a classic Hawaiian dish, a Pineapple Tequila Sunrise and Lemon Coconut Bars for dessert!

    Skim by Section
    • ★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★
    • ★ Ingredients You'll Need ★
    • ★ How to Make this Recipe ★
    • ★ Tips & FAQs ★
    • ★ More Pasta Salad Recipes ★
    • Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

    ★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★

    A Popular Summer Side Dish

    Hawaiian macaroni salad is one of those comfort food that brings a sense of nostalgia. Its classic and timeless appeal makes it a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with a variety of main dishes.

    The texture, taste, and easy prep makes this a popular choice for family gatherings. It's a great dish to take to a potluck due to the large quantity this recipe makes and it's also a vegetarian-friendly option.

    Hawaiian Vibes

    This classic pasta salad side dish offers a Hawaiian-style flare, made with macaroni noodles, carrots, and onion tossed in a sweet-tangy-creamy sauce.

    Perfect for Picnics

    Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a picnic, or a family gathering, this macaroni salad makes for an ideal side dish. Its cool and creamy qualities pair well with a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to seafood.

    Served cold, this macaroni salad is a refreshing summer side that travels well. Perfect for throwing into the cooler for a day watching sports, to take camping, or out on the boat. A great little summer side dish!

    Customizable

    You can keep this recipe basic or add in some fun extras like pineapple chunks, diced ham, celery, or hard boiled eggs.

    The addition of pineapples brings a unique tropical sweetness to the salad, giving it a distinctive Hawaiian twist. This touch of sweetness complements the savory elements and adds a burst of flavor.

    Great for Meal Prep

    This salad tastes even better when made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. This makes it a convenient dish for meal prep.

    I love having a container of pasta salad in the fridge during the summer months. It's an easy go-to for when anyone is hungry and it packs well for day trips, camping, or to take to work for lunch.

    Give it a try and you'll likely find yourself coming back to this delicious recipe again and again.

    ★ Ingredients You'll Need ★

    Here's a look at everything you'll need. Super simple!

    • Elbow Macaroni. You'll want to cook this al dente so it can absorb the dressing and hold its shape. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. For a different texture or if elbow macaroni is unavailable, any small pasta shape like shells, bow tie, or fusilli will work.
    • Apple cider vinegar. White vinegar or white wine vinegar could be used as a substitute. Fresh lemon juice will also work for a tangy flavor or can be added in addition to the vinegar.
    • Mayonnaise. If you're looking for a healthier option, try using Greek yogurt or a mix of mayonnaise and yogurt. I like to also use avocado mayo for a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
    • Milk. Whole milk, or any other type of milk, including non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk, can be substituted. For a richer taste, you could even use half-and-half or for a lighter version, skim milk.
    • Sugar. Any sweetener will do, such as honey, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute like stevia, depending on dietary needs. Pineapple juice can also be used and is a great option for thinning out the dressing and works well if you are adding pineapple tidbits to the salad. Just use a little juice from the can.
    • Salt and black pepper. These are to taste, so no real substitutes are needed, but you can use seasoned or sea salt or white pepper for a different flavor profile.
    • Carrot. If you're not a fan of carrots or don't have any on hand, you can simply omit them or substitute with another crunchy vegetable like radish, jicama, or celery.
    • Onion. White or yellow. Red onion can provide a sweeter taste, or you can use shallots for a more mild flavor that also offers a hint of garlic-like flavor. If raw onion is too strong, you can soak it in the vinegar for about 5-10 minutes before adding. This will pickle it!

    Optional ingredients include: diced ham, sliced hard boiled eggs, pineapple tidbits, peas, celery, or even coconut flakes. You can also add a bit of mustard to layer in some additional flavor.

    ★ How to Make this Recipe ★

    The recipe is quite easy to prep. Here's what's involved:

    • Combine dressing ingredients.
    • Cook pasta, drain and cool.
    • Shred carrots and slice green onion.
    • Toss together macaroni, carrots, green onion, and dressing.
    • Chill before serving.

    Piece a cake.

    ★ Tips & FAQs ★

    How long does Hawaiian macaroni salad last i the fridge?

    Store this pasta salad in an airtight container, in the fridge. It's best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days. I do not recommen to freeze Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. The creamy dressing can separate and become grainy, and the macaroni can turn mushy once thawed.

    What makes Hawaiian macaroni salad different?

    How long can pasta salad with mayo sit out?

    Make sure pasta salad with mayo doesn't sit out for more than two hours. If it's a hot day, and the temperature is above 90, one hour max.

    What's the best way to keep pasta salad cool on a hot day?

    To keep pasta salad cool on a hot day, store it in an insulated container with thin ice packs on the bottom.

    What goes well with Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?

    Here are some ideas:
    BBQ: It's a classic side for barbecued meats like ribs, pulled pork, or chicken. The creamy, cool salad complements smoky flavors beautifully.
    Grilled meats: this Hawaiian macaroni salad also goes well with grilled meats and seafood.
    Burgers and dogs: Serve alongside burgers and hot dogs at a cookout for a crowd pleasing side. Try my Greek turkey burgers for a spin on the classic burger.
    Plate lunch: Serve it as part of a Hawaiian plate lunch with traditional options like teriyaki beef, katsu chicken, or kalua pork.
    Fried chicken. Pair fresh fried chicken with this macaroni salad and it's an easy summer time meal you can enjoy on the back porch!
    Picnic Fare: It’s great with picnic staples such as sandwiches, fried chicken, or cold cuts.

    Can I make Hawaiian macaroni salad ahead of time?

    Yes, it's actually recommended to make it ahead of time. The flavors develop and meld better when the salad is refrigerated for at least 4 hours, and it's often left to chill overnight. Just add some additional milk if it seems a little dry, pasta will absorb liquid in the fridge.

    How can I thin creamy pasta salad dressing?

    You can add additional milk and vinegar to thin out the sauce. Add as much as you'd like to suit your preference. Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb a lot of the dressing as it sits and chills.

    ★ More Pasta Salad Recipes ★

    • 5-Ingredient Tuscan Pasta Salad
      Easy Tuscan Pasta Salad (5 ingredients)
    • Ramen Noodle Salad with Cabbage
      Ramen Noodle Asian Slaw Salad
    • Catalina Pasta Salad
      Catalina Pink Pasta Salad
    • Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Orzo Pasta Salad
      Orzo Cucumber Tomato Salad

    Love a good side dish recipe?

    Browse all my easy side dishes and be sure to Pin your favorites for later.

    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

    Author: Angela G.
    This simple pasta salad recipe can be enjoyed as-is for an authentic experience or added to with many optional extras such as diced ham, pineapple, bell peppers and the macaroni can be swapped with tortellini or any style pasta you like. Serves a crowd!
    5 from 1 review
    Reviews
    Course: Sides
    Cuisine: American
    Skill Level: Easy
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 16 minutes minutes
    Chill Time: 4 hours hours
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 26 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Yield: 7 cups

    Equipment

    • insulated container
    • ice packs

    Ingredients 

    Pasta

    • 12 oz elbow macaroni
    • ½ cup apple cider vinegar

    Dressing

    • 2 cups mayonnaise
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • ½ teaspoon salt and pepper each plus more to taste

    Veggies

    • 1 carrot peeled and grated
    • ¼ cup onion grated
    • 4 green onions thinly sliced (optional for garnish)
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    Instructions

    • Cook pasta. Prepare macaroni following the cooking directions listed on the packaging. Drain well.
    • Season pasta. While the macaroni is still hot, transfer it to a large bowl and sprinkle the apple cider vinegar over it.
      Toss until the vinegar is absorbed. Let the macaroni cool for about 10 minutes.
    • Make dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
    • Add veggies. Once the macaroni has cooled, mix in the grated carrot and onion (add green onions if using). Toss to combine.
    • Add dressing. Drizzle dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly distributed.
    • Chill. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a container with a lid.
      Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
    • Toss and serve. Stir well before serving and add extra seasoning if necessary.

    Notes

    • To thin the sauce add extra milk and apple cider vinegar to taste.
    • Add any extras like ham, pineapples, peas or bell peppers, before chilling.
    • The macaroni will absorb more of the dressing the longer it sits.
    • Do not let sit out for longer than 2 hours.

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 573kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 25g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 522mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1420IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg
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