Hawaiian Mac Salad brings a taste of the islands to every gathering, from casual backyard BBQs to sunny potlucks and beachside parties. Known for its soft noodles, rich full-fat mayo, and a subtle tang from apple cider vinegar and grated onion, this creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad is a comforting classic that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and plate lunches. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make an easy pasta salad that’s ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to share a little island comfort with family and friends.
The Story Behind Hawaiian Mac Salad
Growing up in Queens, summertime meant making macaroni salad with my grandma in our tiny kitchen. Her version was rich and creamy, with secret touches—a splash of apple cider vinegar here, a pinch of sugar there.
Years later, during a trip to Honolulu, I tried Hawaiian Mac Salad with grilled chicken from a local food truck. I was hooked from the first bite.
The pasta was soft and tender, the dressing was creamy yet tangy, and there was a gentle sweetness that tied it all together.
It felt timeless, the kind of dish meant for sunny gatherings, weekend cookouts, and sharing with family. I knew I had to recreate that feeling at home, simple, flavorful, and full of island warmth.
In Hawaiian households, this salad isn’t just a side; it’s part of the experience, served with huli huli chicken or BBQ short ribs. Traditionally, the pasta is overcooked just enough to become soft, soaking up the creamy dressing made from full-fat mayo, vinegar, grated onion, and a touch of sugar. Some families even add shredded kamaboko (fish cake), peas, or potato chunks, though the classic plate lunch version sticks to the basics.
If you love comfort food and want a foolproof easy pasta salad that works as a side dish for BBQs, meal prep, or your next potluck, this Hawaiian Mac Salad is the one.
For more island-inspired comfort food, check out our guide to classic Hawaiian Chicken Skewers and our homemade recipe for BBQ Pork Sliders.
Table of Contents.
Table of Contents
What Makes Hawaiian Mac Salad Special
Unlike other macaroni salads, Hawaiian mac salad uses slightly overcooked pasta to help absorb the creamy dressing. That signature dressing is built on full-fat mayo (traditionally Best Foods or Hellmann’s in Hawaii), tangy apple cider vinegar, and finely grated onion a combo that sets this dish apart and gives it that irresistible smooth texture and subtle bite.
Some might compare it to other easy pasta salad recipes, but true Hawaiian mac salad is all about soft noodles and a thick, rich sauce that sticks to every curve of the macaroni.
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Hawaiian Mac Salad: Insider Secrets & Amazing Guide to Creamy Island Comfort
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, tangy, comforting Hawaiian Mac Salad perfect as a side dish for BBQs, potlucks, and meal prep.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup full-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons grated onion
1 medium carrot, grated
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook macaroni in salted water until very soft (1-2 minutes past al dente).
2. Drain, rinse lightly, and let cool completely.
3. In a large bowl, mix mayo, vinegar, grated onion, carrot, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Fold in cooled macaroni until well coated.
5. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Stir in extra mayo if needed before serving.
Notes
Best served chilled. For extra creaminess, stir in a bit more mayo before serving. Optional additions include peas, boiled egg, or kamaboko.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Ingredients that Bring It Together
What do you need to make this dish shine? Here’s what goes into authentic creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad:
- Elbow macaroni (cooked until soft, not al dente)
- Full-fat mayonnaise (for richness and smooth texture)
- Apple cider vinegar (adds tang and helps the pasta absorb flavor)
- Grated onion (infuses every bite with a subtle sharpness)
- Grated carrot (optional but classic)
- Sugar, salt, and black pepper for seasoning
Next up, we’ll break down the exact steps and techniques you need to make this dish just like they do in local plate lunch spots.
How to Make Hawaiian Mac Salad
Cooking the Pasta Perfectly
For authentic Hawaiian Mac Salad, the pasta isn’t cooked al dente—it’s boiled until soft, which lets it soak up the creamy dressing later. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni, and cook for about 1–2 minutes longer than the package instructions suggest. Drain, rinse quickly with cold water to stop the cooking, then let it cool completely.
If you’re prepping ahead, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Mixing the Creamy Dressing
In a large bowl, combine full-fat mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, grated onion, a little sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Some folks like to stir in a splash of milk or water to thin it slightly, but the classic creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad is thick enough to coat each pasta piece generously.
Use the best mayo you can find, many Hawaiian cooks swear by Best Foods or Hellmann’s for authentic taste.
Table: Quick Tips for the Perfect Mac Salad
| Step | Key Tip |
|---|---|
| Cook Pasta | Boil 1–2 minutes longer than usual for soft texture |
| Cool Pasta | Rinse briefly and chill for better dressing absorption |
| Mix Dressing | Use full-fat mayo, grated onion, and vinegar for flavor |
Chill, Serve, and Store for the Best Hawaiian Mac Salad
Letting the Flavors Meld
Once you’ve mixed your pasta with the creamy dressing, the magic happens in the fridge. Cover the bowl and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This extra time lets the pasta absorb the tangy richness from the apple cider vinegar, the savory bite of grated onion, and the smooth coating of full-fat mayo. That’s what makes this dish so comforting and perfect for a classic plate lunch or a sunny picnic spread.
If you’re looking for another chilled dish to round out your meal, our Tropical Fruit Salad adds a refreshing burst of sweetness to any table.
How to Store and Keep Fresh
Hawaiian Mac Salad is perfect for meal prep and storing ahead. Once mixed, transfer it to a sealed container and keep it chilled in the fridge; it stays fresh for several days. Before serving, you can stir in a bit more mayonnaise if needed to restore its creamy texture.
Beyond being a great side dish for BBQs, this salad works wonderfully for quick lunches or whenever you need something easy and satisfying in the fridge.
FAQs About Hawaiian Mac Salad
What is in a Hawaiian mac salad?
A classic Hawaiian mac salad usually has elbow macaroni cooked until tender, full-fat mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, grated onion, a pinch of sugar, salt, black pepper, and sometimes shredded carrot. The combination makes for a creamy, tangy salad that pairs perfectly with BBQ dishes and plate lunches.
Why is Hawaiian macaroni salad different?
Unlike typical pasta salads, Hawaiian mac salad uses soft-cooked noodles and a thick, rich dressing made from full-fat mayo and apple cider vinegar. This creates a uniquely smooth, velvety texture and subtle tang that sets it apart from other easy pasta salad recipes.
What is Hawaiian salad made of?
“Hawaiian salad” can refer to several dishes, but Hawaiian mac salad specifically includes macaroni, mayo, vinegar, and grated onion. Some regional versions add peas, boiled egg, or kamaboko (fish cake) for added texture and flavor.
What’s in Hawaiian Bros mac salad?
Popular chain Hawaiian Bros typically keeps it simple with soft elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, grated carrot, and seasoning—sticking closely to the traditional classic plate lunch style found across the islands.
What’s in Kim Kardashian’s salad?
While often asked, Kim Kardashian’s salad isn’t a Hawaiian mac salad. Instead, it typically refers to a chopped or leafy salad with protein, cucumbers, tomatoes, and Italian-style dressing—different from the creamy macaroni version beloved in Hawaii.
Hawaiian Mac Salad isn’t just a simple side; it’s a dish woven into island life, served at potlucks, beach gatherings, and family celebrations across Hawaii. Its creamy dressing, soft pasta, and subtle tang from apple cider vinegar and grated onion create a comforting, familiar flavor that brings people together around the table.
Making this salad at home means you get to share a little bit of that island spirit wherever you are. Pair it with BBQ chicken or grilled fish for a complete meal that feels warm, hearty, and full of aloha.
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