Description
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. Made with tender macaroni, shredded carrots, onions, and a rich mayo-based dressing, this easy side dish is a must-have for BBQs, potlucks, or any Hawaiian-inspired meal. Just chill and serve for the ultimate island-style comfort food!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Best Foods or Hellmann’s)
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until very soft, about 1-2 minutes past al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water, then let it cool slightly.
- Make the dressing – In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, whole milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine ingredients – In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, shredded carrots, chopped onion, and optional celery and green onions.
- Add dressing – Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until well coated.
- Chill & serve – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (for best results, chill for 4 hours or overnight). Stir before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- For an authentic texture, cook the pasta extra soft—Hawaiian Mac Salad is meant to be creamy and tender
- Let it chill—The flavors meld beautifully when left in the fridge for a few hours
- Want it creamier? Add an extra tablespoon of mayo or milk before serving
- Customize it! Add diced ham, crushed pineapple, or hard-boiled eggs for a fun twist
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Keywords: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, creamy pasta salad, island-style macaroni salad, easy BBQ side dish, Hawaiian side dish