Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

5 from 6 votes

Mar 12, 2024

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This classic Hawaiian macaroni salad stars a rich, creamy, tangy-sweet dressing that coats al dente macaroni noodles, shredded carrots, and finely chopped red onion. It’s loaded with flavor and is the perfect side dish for your next BBQ or potluck.

For more refreshing side dishes, try my Broccoli Cauliflower Salad and this crunchy Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad. They’re so delicious and always a hit at our gatherings.

Two wooden spoons in a bowl filled with Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.

Hawaiian macaroni salad is one of those all-time favorites that seems to impress on and off the islands. Simple yet delicious, it is comprised of a mixture of al dente pasta, shredded carrots, and chopped red onion, all mixed together in an out-of-this-world creamy dressing that strikes the perfect balance between rich, tangy, and slightly sweet. The luscious dressing sinks into the freshly cooked pasta as the salad chills in the fridge, emerging a couple of hours later to delight the taste buds of all who taste it.

Why I Love This Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe

Perfect marriage of flavors. This mac salad’s flavor combination is incredible. The bite of the red onion and the tangy sweetness of the rich dressing will have you running back to the serving bowl, spoon in hand.
Customizable. I went with a very simple rendition of Hawaiian mac salad, but that doesn’t mean you have to. There are so many fun ways to doll this side dish up and make it your own.
Versatile. This traditional Hawaiian side is just as good served with Luau favorites as it is with a vast plethora of other potluck stars.

What is Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?

This simple, flavorful pasta salad has gained popularity not only in Hawaii but also on the mainland. It is typically made with macaroni pasta cooked to al dente and tossed with shredded carrots, onions, and a creamy, tangy dressing with just a hint of sweetness.

Labeled ingredients for Hawaiian macaroni salad.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to turn this macaroni salad recipe into a delicious reality. Scroll to the recipe card below for precise measurements.

Macaroni pasta – Feel free to use a different short pasta or gluten-free pasta.
Mayonnaise – Not a mayonnaise person? You could use yogurt instead. Just note that your dressing will be a bit tangier.
Half and half – You could use milk here instead for a slightly lighter dressing or use heavy cream for a richer dressing.
Dijon mustard – The Dijon is optional but it does add a fun edge to the flavor profile.
Apple cider vinegar – The vinegar helps cut the richness of the dressing a bit.
Honey – The honey adds a hint of sweetness to this otherwise savory dish.
Carrots – Either shred whole carrots yourself (this is preferable) or purchase pre-shredded carrots.
Red onion – Yellow or white onion would work as well.
Fresh parsley – The parsley is optional, but I love the bright pop of color and freshness it brings.
Salt and Black Pepper

How to Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Embrace the flavors of the islands with this simple yet delicious salad recipe. Follow these four simple steps to bring a taste of Hawaii to your table.

Draining pasta in a colander. — Cook and drain the macaroni pasta.

Dressing for Hawaiian mac salad. — Cook and drain the macaroni pasta.

Adding carrots, dressing, red onion, and parsley to a bowl of cooked macaroni. — Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Hawaiian mac salad in a mixing bowl near a wooden spoon. — Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Cook the pasta. Cook and drain the pasta per the package’s instructions.
Make the dressing. Whisk together the mayo, half and half, Dijon, apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt.
Put it all together. Mix together the pasta, dressing, carrots, red onion, and parsley in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill. Cover the bowl and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Recipe Tips And Variations

Salt the water. Cooking pasta in unsalted water will end you with bland pasta and, thus, a relatively bland mac salad.
Al dente, please. Do not overcook the pasta. If it is too mushy, it will fall apart when you toss it with the dressing, veggies, etc.
Hot pasta. You want to combine the pasta and the dressing while the pasta is still warm. The dressing will absorb into the pasta better that way, giving you a more flavorful dish.
Don’t skip the chill. As tempting as it might be to dive straight into this delightful side, it really does get better if you let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours. The dressing gets a chance to soak into the pasta and soften the veggies.
Spice it up. Mix in a bit of paprika and/or cayenne pepper. Smoked paprika would also be a fun addition.
Add some protein. Mix in some crisp, crumbled bacon, shredded pork, fried, cubed spam or ham, or even chopped hard boiled eggs.
Other fun mix-ins. Hawaiian salad often contains minced celery for crunch. I have seen it with small chunks of pineapple mixed in for added sweetness. Relish would be a great addition.

Serving Suggestions

This mac salad is traditionally served with a scoop of white rice and a delicious Hawaiian main such as Kalua pork. This Instant Pot Pork Shoulder would be a great substitute. You can also serve this sweet and tangy side with a Juicy Turkey Burger or Cheeseburger Sliders and crunchy Coleslaw.

A pasta salad also pairs well with other salads, such as this Grape Salad or my Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, a slice of Cornbread Casserole, and a scoop of Baked Beans. I love serving it with Chicken Wings and Dipping Sauce. Choose your own adventure!

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad served in two small white bowls.

Proper Storage

Seal any leftover Hawaiian mac salad in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you choose to freeze your leftovers, allow them to thaw completely in the fridge before serving.

More Side Salad Recipes To Try

The right side salad can really pull a meal together. Here are some other fun options for you to try.

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