Irresistibly Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

Creamy hawaiian macaroni salad brings memories of sunny beach picnics and laid-back island gatherings.

Casual comfort defines this classic side dish beloved across the Pacific.

Local cooks have perfected a uniquely tangy version that stands out from traditional recipes.

Elbow macaroni provides the perfect base for a rich, smooth dressing loaded with subtle flavors.

Crisp vegetables add delightful texture and brightness to each delectable bite.

Generations of families have shared this simple yet irresistible recipe at summer barbecues and potlucks.

Step into a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to hawaii’s relaxed culinary landscape.

What You’ll Use For Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

• Elbow Pasta: A classic short pasta shape that perfectly captures the creamy dressing in Hawaiian macaroni salad.
• Mayonnaise: Creates a rich and creamy base that gives the salad its signature smooth texture.
• Milk: Helps thin out the mayonnaise and creates a lighter dressing consistency.

• Sugar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients balance the dressing with a perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and seasoning.

• Carrots, Celery, Onion, Green Onions: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, color, and additional layers of flavor to the salad.

• Ham: Provides a savory protein option that can make the salad more substantial.

Steps To Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Right

Step 1: Boil and Cool Pasta

Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Milk
• Sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth, consistent dressing.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Dressing

Pour the cooled pasta into the prepared dressing. Gently fold and mix until every pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Vegetables

• Shredded carrots
• Chopped celery
• Finely diced onion

If desired, mix in cubed ham for extra protein.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the salad and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour. This resting period allows the flavors to blend and intensify.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a bright, zesty finish. Enjoy this classic Hawaiian-style macaroni salad cold as a perfect side dish.

Helpful Tips For Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Success

• Rinse pasta thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect texture for your salad.
• Add a splash of milk to the mayonnaise dressing to create a creamier, smoother consistency that coats the pasta evenly.
• Chop vegetables finely to distribute flavor throughout the salad and provide a pleasant crunch in every bite.
• Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow ingredients to blend, intensifying the overall taste and making the salad more delicious.
• Consider using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter version of this classic Hawaiian-style side dish.

Fun Add-Ins For Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

• Spicy Aloha Kick: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of sriracha sauce for a fiery Hawaiian-inspired flavor that brings heat to the classic macaroni salad.
• Tropical Protein Boost: Mix in diced grilled pineapple and shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed version that captures island freshness.
• Veggie Luau Remix: Replace ham with grilled zucchini and add roasted bell peppers for a vegetarian option bursting with colorful vegetable goodness.
• Seafood Island Style: Incorporate cooked and chilled crab meat or diced shrimp to transform the salad into a luxurious seafood experience that screams coastal cuisine.

Perfect Pairings With Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

• Grill Savory Proteins: Pair this creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad with grilled teriyaki chicken or juicy kalua pork for a perfect tropical-inspired meal that balances the salad's cool, tangy flavors.
• Tropical Beverage Match: Serve alongside a refreshing pineapple mojito or chilled Hawaiian POG (passion fruit, orange, guava) juice to complement the salad's creamy texture and enhance the island-inspired theme.
• Picnic Perfect Combination: Pack this macaroni salad with pulled pork sliders or BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches for an amazing outdoor lunch that brings together creamy and savory elements with ease.
• Fresh Side Suggestion: Add a light green salad with mango chunks and a citrus vinaigrette to create a vibrant, fresh counterpoint to the rich, creamy macaroni salad.

Best Way To Store Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Not recommended due to mayonnaise-based dressing, which can separate and become watery when thawed. Pasta and vegetables will lose their crisp texture.
• Enjoy cold directly from the refrigerator. If desired, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take off the chill before serving.
• Stir in a small amount of fresh mayonnaise or milk to revive the creamy consistency if the salad seems dry after storage.

FAQs For Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

• Why is milk added to the mayonnaise?

The milk helps thin out the mayonnaise, creating a creamy and lighter dressing that coats the pasta more evenly and prevents the salad from becoming too dense or sticky.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like shells or rotini, which will still hold the dressing well and provide a similar texture.

• How can I make the salad more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, peas, or grated zucchini to increase the nutritional value and add more color and texture to the salad.

• Is this a traditional Hawaiian side dish?

Hawaiian macaroni salad is a staple in Hawaiian plate lunches and potlucks, often served alongside barbecue meats and rice as part of local comfort food culture.

Why Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Is Creamy And Bright

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This Hawaiian macaroni salad brings people together with its creamy, tangy goodness that sparks joy at any gathering.
• Master Simple Cooking: Beginners can confidently create this recipe with basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a perfect starter dish for home cooks.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the salad by adding ham, adjusting vegetable quantities, or swapping ingredients to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Prepare Ahead with Ease: The make-ahead nature of this dish allows for stress-free meal planning, as it tastes even better after chilling and letting flavors develop.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad brings island flavors straight to your dinner table. Smooth elbow pasta mixed with tangy mayo, crisp vegetables, and a hint of sweetness creates a perfect side dish you’ll crave at every summer gathering.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Protein:

• 2 cups elbow pasta, uncooked
• 1 cup ham, cubed (optional)

Vegetables:

• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• Green onions, roughly chopped (for garnish)

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil elbow pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking process and cool quickly.
2. Whisk mayonnaise, milk, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until smooth and creamy.
3. Fold cooled pasta into dressing, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated with the tangy mixture.
4. Incorporate shredded carrots, diced celery, and finely minced onion into the pasta, gently mixing to distribute vegetables evenly.
5. If desired, add cubed ham for additional protein and texture.
6. Seal container and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste profile.
7. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a vibrant, crisp garnish that adds a subtle sharp note.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Overcook the elbow macaroni slightly for a traditional Hawaiian-style texture that absorbs dressing beautifully.
• Creamy Hack: Let the salad sit overnight to develop deeper, richer flavor as the pasta continues to soak up the mayonnaise mixture.
• Protein Power: Swap ham with grilled chicken, tofu, or skip meat entirely for vegetarian and diverse dietary options.
• Temperature Trick: Always serve chilled to maintain the salad’s creamy consistency and enhance its refreshing taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg