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A white bowl filled with macaroni salad, containing elbow macaroni and a creamy dressing, is shown from an overhead angle.

Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Chef Jenn
Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a beloved island classic that’s cool, tangy, and ultra-satisfying. Made with tender macaroni, a rich mayo dressing, and a hint of sweetness, it's the perfect side for BBQs, plate lunches, or summer gatherings. Just like you’d find at a Hawaiian luau!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Hawaiian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 587 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup carrots shredded
  • 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta in salted water until soft—about 2 minutes past al dente. This extra time helps it soak up flavor, which is key to traditional Hawaiian-style salad. Drain and return to the pot.
  • Pour in the apple cider vinegar while the pasta is still warm. Stir to coat. Let it cool for 10–15 minutes—spreading it on a sheet pan helps speed things up and prevents the dressing from separating later.
  • Mix the dressing in a separate bowl by whisking together the mayo, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and pourable.
  • Combine the cooled pasta with the dressing, then gently fold in the carrots, celery, red onion, and green onions (if using). Stir until everything is evenly coated.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving—overnight is even better. The flavors meld together as it chills.
  • Serve cold, straight from the fridge. Stir it once more before serving.

Notes

Chef Jenn's Tips

  • Cooking the pasta softer than usual might feel wrong, but it helps it absorb flavor like they do in Hawaii.
  • Use a high-quality mayo for the creamiest result—Hellmann’s or Best Foods work great.
  • The longer it sits, the better it tastes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 587kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 25gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 777mgPotassium: 274mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3714IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 1mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword BBQ sides, creamy pasta salad, Hawaiian macaroni salad, island mac salad, luau side dish
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