Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad brings the refreshing taste of the islands right to your table. With its signature creamy dressing and perfect blend of crunchy vegetables, it's an authentic side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch.

I first made this macaroni salad for a backyard luau party and it was the first dish completely devoured. Since then, it's become my go to potluck contribution that friends specifically request whenever we gather for summer cookouts.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni forms the hearty base that soaks up all the creamy dressing
• Mayonnaise creates that signature rich texture authentic to Hawaiian mac salad
• Whole milk helps thin the dressing while maintaining creaminess
• Apple cider vinegar provides the perfect tangy balance to cut through richness
• Sugar adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tang
• Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors
• Shredded carrot offers color contrast and gentle sweetness
• Chopped celery provides essential crunch and freshness
• Green onions bring mild onion flavor and bright color
• Grated yellow onion infuses the dressing with savory depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Boil the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just tender. Be careful not to overcook as the pasta will continue absorbing moisture from the dressing. Rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely. This prevents the hot pasta from breaking down the mayonnaise in the dressing.

Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper until completely smooth. This creamy base should have a pourable consistency that will coat each piece of pasta. The slight tanginess from the vinegar is essential for authentic flavor.

Combine Everything

Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing along with the shredded carrot, chopped celery, green onion, and grated yellow onion. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece of pasta gets coated with dressing without breaking down the macaroni.

Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb some of the dressing. Before serving, gently stir the salad again and top with additional green onions for fresh color and flavor. The texture should be creamy but not runny.

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My favorite part of this recipe is the grated yellow onion. While it may seem like a small addition, it infuses the entire salad with incredible flavor without the harshness of raw onion pieces. My Hawaiian friend taught me this technique, explaining that this is what gives authentic mac salad its distinctive savory undertone that keeps people coming back for more.

Make Ahead Tips

This macaroni salad actually improves when made a day in advance, as the flavors have more time to develop and meld together. The pasta continues absorbing some of the dressing overnight, creating an even more flavorful result. When ready to serve, simply add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and stir gently to refresh the creamy texture. This make ahead quality makes it perfect for party planning when you want to minimize day of cooking.

Traditional Hawaiian Context

On the islands, this macaroni salad is an essential component of the classic plate lunch, typically served alongside two scoops of rice and a protein like kalua pork or teriyaki chicken. The creamy salad provides cool contrast to spicy or savory main dishes. Authentic Hawaiian versions tend to be mayonnaise heavy with minimal additions, allowing the creamy texture to shine. This version includes a few more vegetables for color and texture while maintaining the authentic flavor profile that makes this dish so beloved.

Variations To Try

While this recipe presents the classic version, there are many popular variations throughout Hawaii. Some include diced ham or canned tuna for a heartier option. Others incorporate diced pineapple for a sweet tropical twist. For a spicier version, add a tablespoon of Sriracha to the dressing. My personal favorite variation includes a half cup of frozen peas folded in just before serving, adding bright color and a pop of sweetness to each bite.

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually improves when made a day ahead as the flavors have time to meld. If the salad seems too thick after refrigeration, simply stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk to loosen it up before serving.

→ Why is mayo important in Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?

Mayonnaise is essential for authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, providing the signature creamy texture. Use good quality, full-fat mayonnaise for best results. The combination of mayo with milk creates the perfect consistency that coats the pasta.

→ What makes Hawaiian Macaroni Salad different from regular macaroni salad?

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is distinctively creamier than mainland versions, using more mayonnaise and milk. It typically contains minimal ingredients (carrots, onions, celery) without additions like ham or cheese, and the pasta is often cooked until very soft, allowing it to absorb more dressing.

→ What do Hawaiians typically serve with macaroni salad?

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is traditionally served as part of a 'plate lunch' alongside two scoops of white rice and a protein like Kalua pork, chicken katsu, or teriyaki beef. This combination is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine.

→ Why is the macaroni rinsed with cold water in this dish?

Rinsing the cooked macaroni with cold water stops the cooking process immediately, preventing the pasta from becoming mushy. It also removes excess starch, which helps prevent the pasta from clumping together when mixed with the dressing.

→ Can I add other vegetables to Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?

While traditional Hawaiian Macaroni Salad sticks to carrots, celery, and onions, you can customize it with additions like peas, bell peppers, or cucumber. Just be aware that adding too many extras will move it away from the authentic version.