Creamy, tangy, and perfectly tender, this Hawaiian Mac Salad is a must-have for any island-inspired meal. The rich, slightly sweet dressing clings to every bite, making it the perfect side for grilled meats, fried chicken, or fresh seafood.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving a taste of Hawaii, this easy-to-make mac salad will bring a little sunshine to your table.
Let’s make it!
Recipe Hawaiian Mac Salad
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Elbow macaroni
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise (preferably Best Foods or Hellmann’s)
- ¼ Cup Whole milk
- 1 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tsp Sugar
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ½ Tsp Black pepper
- 1 Cup Shredded carrots
- ½ Cup Finely chopped celery
- ¼ Cup Finely chopped sweet onion
- ½ Cup Frozen peas (optional)
- ½ Cup Chopped ham or tuna (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook 2-3 minutes longer than al dente (about 10 minutes total) so the pasta is soft, not firm. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool completely.
- Make the Dressing:In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Mix It Up:Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing. Stir in the shredded carrot, diced onion, celery, and pickle relish (if using) until everything is well coated.
- Chill for Flavor:Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (but preferably 4+ hours) to let the flavors meld.
- Serve & Enjoy!Give it a final stir before serving. If it looks dry after chilling, mix in a splash of milk or a little more mayo. Serve cold with your favorite Hawaiian-style dishes!
Video
Notes
- Overcooking the pasta is key! Traditional Hawaiian mac salad is extra soft, so don’t cook it al dente.
- Let it chill! The flavors get better as it sits, so make it ahead of time if you can.
- Want it creamier? Stir in more mayo before serving.
- Customize it! Add chopped ham, hard-boiled eggs, or even a little tuna for a twist.
Best Dishes to Serve with Hawaiian Mac Salad
Hawaiian Mac Salad is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. Here are some of the best dishes to serve with it for a true island-style meal:
- Huli Huli Chicken – This sweet and smoky grilled chicken is a match made in heaven with creamy mac salad.
- Loco Moco – A hearty Hawaiian dish featuring rice, a hamburger patty, brown gravy, and a fried egg. The cool, creamy mac salad balances out the richness.
- Kalua Pork – Slow-cooked, smoky shredded pork that melts in your mouth. Mac salad adds a refreshing contrast to the deep, savory flavors.
- Shoyu Chicken – Tender, soy-marinated chicken with a slightly sweet glaze that complements the tangy mac salad.
- Garlic Shrimp – Inspired by the famous shrimp trucks of Hawaii, this buttery, garlicky seafood dish goes great with mac salad on the side.
- Spam Musubi – A fun and portable Hawaiian snack, Spam Musubi pairs well with mac salad for a light but satisfying meal.
- BBQ Ribs – Whether Hawaiian-style or classic American, ribs and mac salad are always a winning combo.
Why Overcooked Pasta is the Secret to the Best Mac Salad
If you’re used to cooking pasta “al dente,” it might feel wrong to overcook it—but for Hawaiian Mac Salad, softer is better! Here’s why:
- Better Absorption of Dressing – Slightly mushy pasta soaks up the creamy dressing better, preventing a dry salad.
- The Authentic Texture – Hawaiian-style mac salad is known for being extra creamy and smooth, not firm or chewy.
- No Need for Extra Mayo – With softer pasta, you don’t need to keep adding mayo to keep it from drying out. The pasta stays moist and flavorful.
- Closer to Hawaiian Plate Lunch Style – Local Hawaiian restaurants intentionally overcook their macaroni to create that signature texture.
To achieve the perfect consistency, cook your pasta 2-3 minutes longer than usual until it’s soft but not falling apart. Rinse it under cool water after draining to stop the cooking process, then let it sit for a few minutes before mixing in the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for Hawaiian Mac Salad?
Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, but you can use other small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini. Just make sure to overcook them slightly to maintain the creamy texture.
Why does my mac salad taste bland?
Hawaiian Mac Salad relies on the right balance of mayo, vinegar, sugar, and seasoning. If it tastes bland, try adding a little more salt, vinegar, or even a touch of mustard to boost the flavor. Also, letting it chill for a few hours helps the flavors develop.
Can I make this mac salad without mayonnaise?
Mayo is key to the creamy texture, but if you need a substitute, you can try Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mix of both. Just note that it will have a slightly different taste.
How long does Hawaiian Mac Salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. If it starts to dry out, mix in a little extra mayo or milk before serving.
Can I add protein to this mac salad?
Yes! Some delicious add-ins include chopped ham, shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or even canned tuna for a heartier version. Just keep the flavors balanced so the dressing still shines.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Mac Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying side that fits right into any island-style meal. It’s easy to make, packed with simple ingredients, and tastes even better than takeout. Serve it at a BBQ, pair it with your favorite Hawaiian dishes, or enjoy a bowl straight from the fridge. Every bite brings a little taste of paradise to your plate.