Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

Introduction

Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy side dish that perfectly complements any Hawaiian plate lunch. This simple recipe uses classic ingredients to create a nostalgic and flavorful salad that’s a favorite at family gatherings and barbecues.

Ingredients

• 1 pound macaroni
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 carrots, shredded
• ¼ cup shredded onion (optional)
• 2 ½ cups mayonnaise (Best Foods or Hellman’s mayonnaise – no substitutes!)
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook macaroni according to package directions. Rinse under cold water until completely cool. Drain well and place in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle the apple cider vinegar over the macaroni. Add shredded carrots and shredded onion if using. Toss together until well combined. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to chill.
3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, and sugar.
4. Step 4: Fold the mayonnaise mixture into the macaroni until all noodles are evenly coated. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
6. Step 6: Before serving, gently stir the salad and add a splash of milk (no more than a tablespoon or two) if needed to achieve desired creaminess.

Tips & Variations

• Use Best Foods or Hellman’s mayonnaise as they provide the authentic flavor and texture essential for this salad.
• Shredded onion is optional; omit it if you prefer a milder taste or for a less crunchy texture.
• For extra texture, add finely chopped celery or bell pepper.
• Make sure to rinse the cooked macaroni with cold water thoroughly to stop cooking and cool it completely.

Storage

Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. It’s best served chilled and doesn’t reheat well, so enjoy it cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Best Foods or Hellman’s?

While you can use other mayonnaises, the original Best Foods or Hellman’s mayonnaise lends an authentic flavor and creaminess that’s key to the traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad experience.

How far ahead can I prepare this macaroni salad?

This salad tastes best after chilling overnight, but it can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just give it a gentle stir and add a little milk if needed before serving to restore creaminess.

Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 137 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, comforting side dish that perfectly complements traditional Hawaiian plate lunches. Featuring tender macaroni mixed with shredded carrots, a touch of onion, and a rich mayonnaise-based dressing with a hint of apple cider vinegar, this recipe promises a deliciously tangy and creamy texture. It’s easy to prepare ahead and tastes best when chilled overnight, making it a staple for gatherings and casual meals alike.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound macaroni

Vegetables

• 2 carrots, shredded
• ¼ cup shredded onion (optional)

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 ½ cups mayonnaise (Best Foods or Hellman’s mayonnaise, no substitutes)
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Seasoning

• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste

---

Instructions

1. Cook Macaroni: Prepare the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water until the pasta is completely cooled. Drain well to remove excess water and transfer the macaroni into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Vegetables and Vinegar: Sprinkle apple cider vinegar over the cooled macaroni. Add the shredded carrots and optional shredded onion. Toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld and the mixture cool further.
3. Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, and sugar until smooth and fully blended. This creamy dressing forms the flavorful base of the salad.
4. Combine Salad: Fold the prepared dressing gently into the macaroni mixture, ensuring every noodle is evenly coated. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to your taste preferences, mixing well to distribute the seasoning.
5. Chill: Cover the salad with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This resting period allows the salad to thicken and the flavors to fully develop.
6. Final Touch: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to re-incorporate any settled ingredients. If the salad seems too thick, add a small amount of milk—no more than one or two tablespoons—to reach your desired consistency.

Notes

• For authentic flavor, use Best Foods or Hellman’s mayonnaise—no substitutes recommended.
• The onion is optional, but it adds a subtle bite and crunch.
• Chilling the salad overnight enhances flavor and texture;
• Adjust the milk quantity to get your preferred creaminess without thinning the salad too much.
• Use kosher salt for seasoning as its texture allows better control over saltiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Keywords: Hawaiian macaroni salad, creamy macaroni salad, Hawaiian side dish, macaroni salad recipe, picnic salad, potluck side