Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s a staple in Hawaiian plate lunches. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, offering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This humble side dish is beloved for its rich, comforting flavor and its ability to complement just about any main course, from grilled meats to fried chicken.
What makes Hawaiian Macaroni Salad different from other pasta salads is its distinct creaminess. The pasta is intentionally cooked until very soft, giving it a tender texture that soaks up the creamy dressing beautifully. The dressing itself is a simple yet flavorful mix, often featuring mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and sometimes a hint of mustard or grated onion. This combination results in a slightly tangy, sweet flavor that perfectly coats every piece of macaroni.
It’s a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. While it may seem straightforward, the beauty of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad lies in its simplicity and the way it pairs with bold, savory dishes. Whether served alongside smoky kalua pork, crispy fried chicken, or teriyaki beef, it offers a cooling, creamy contrast that rounds out the meal perfectly.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is also a nostalgic comfort food for many. It’s the kind of dish that shows up at family barbecues, beach picnics, and backyard gatherings, always met with smiles and empty plates. Its familiar flavor evokes warm weather, island vibes, and the laid-back feeling of sharing food with friends and family.
Beyond its role as a classic side, it’s versatile enough to be adapted to personal tastes. Some versions include shredded carrots for color and crunch, while others might add green onions or a touch of celery for an extra pop of flavor. But the heart of the dish always remains the same, creamy, tangy, and utterly comforting.
Whether you’re making it for a summer cookout, a quick lunch, or as part of a larger spread, Macaroni Salad delivers that perfect balance of simple ingredients and big flavor. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the ones that bring the most joy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni pasta cooked
- 1 cup mayonnaise use full-fat for best taste
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 medium carrot shredded
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Mix until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the cooled macaroni, shredded carrot, and chopped onion to the bowl. Stir until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
I’m not sure about the sugar, it seems weird to add it to a salad?? But it tasted alright, I guess.
This salad is sooo good! I love the tangy flavor from the vinegar. I’ll be making this for my next BBQ!
Simple and delicious! The best part is that my kids actually ate their veggies. Will def make this again!
Macaroni salad? More like macaroni disaster. I added too much vinegar and ruined it. Never again!
Just ok for me. I was expectin more flavor. Maybe I didn’t add enough seasoning??? I probably won’t make again.
This is the best macaroni salad I’ve ever made! So creamy and tasty. Definitely a hit at my BBQ!
Sounds delicious! I’m gonna try this at my next BBQ too. Thanks for sharing!
I dunno man, I don’t think onions belong in macaroni salad. Just saying. 1 star.
Eh… too mayo-heavy for my taste. I prefer a lighter dressing. 2/5
Okayish, I will try without the onions next time. Im not a fan. 🤷
Super quick to make! I will definitely make this again. 😋
This salad is a Hawaiian classic! I add pineapple chunks for extra sweetness. Yum!
I think the pineapple sounds like a fun twist! But isn’t it supposed to be more savory?
Yum! I love this salad, especially with pineapple! Can’t wait to try it!
Will try this but can’t believe you don’t add any pineapple!! Hawaiian should have pineapples! 🤷♂️
Pineapple in macaroni? That’s weird! I think this recipe is fine without it.
I totally agree! Pineapple adds a nice tropical twist! You should definitely try it that way next time!
Yum! Just finshed making it and it’s really good. I used Greek yogurt instead of mayo. 4 stars!
Greek yogurt instead of mayo? That sounds interesting! I might try that too!
Too much mayo for my taste. I think less is more! Also, the sugar is weird.
Love this! Perfect for potlucks! I always get compliments when I bring this dish.
This salad is so tasty! Made it for a picnic and it was a hit! 5 stars!
Glad to hear it was a hit! I love picnics and this salad sounds perfect for one! Can’t wait to try it myself.
Why apple cider vinegar? Doesn’t it make it taste weird?
Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang! Trust me, it’s not weird—it balances the richness of the mayo.
I dunno, I thought vinegar would just ruin the whole thing. I usually stick to just mayonnaise in my salad. 🤷♂️
I subbed sour cream for mayo and it turned out alright.
This recipe is so simple and easy! Great for potlucks. Thanks!
My 6 year old loves it. Very easy and quick recipe. Will definitely make again!
Hmmm, I’m not sure about using apple cider vinegar. Regular vinegar works fine too, right?
I followed the recipe exactly but it turned out bland. Maybe it needs more seasoning?
Had to drop the sugar, it was too sweet! But otherwise, not bad at all!
I’m not a fan of mayonnaise, so I didn’t like this recipe. Maybe I’ll try with Greek yogurt instead?
Just made it and my kids went crazy over it! Super easy to make, thanks!
I dunno, feel like it could be better with more spices. 🤔
That’s awesome to hear! Kids love this salad! 😄
I added pineapple chunks to mine – it was super good! Hawaiian style for sure!
Yum! But I think a little garlic would make it better.
Macaroni? More like macaroni no! This was a flop. My kids wouldn’t even eat it!!
I’m sorry to hear that! Sometimes kids can be picky eaters. Maybe try adding some cheese next time? It might help! 😅
Flop? Nah, just needs some tweaking. You can’t please everyone, but this salad is a classic! Try it again with some bacon bits! 🥓