Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. If you’re looking to bring a taste of the islands to your table, you’re in for a treat. Our meticulously crafted recipe is not just any macaroni salad; it’s a beloved staple in Hawaiian cuisine that combines creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors into a delightful dish. With its roots in the rich culinary traditions of Hawaii, this salad is the perfect side for barbecues, picnics, or any gathering where you want to impress with authentic, homemade goodness.
We’ll walk you through each step, from choosing the right pasta to achieving the ideal dressing consistency, ensuring that every bite transports you to the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii. Dive in to discover the secrets behind this crowd-pleasing dish and elevate your cooking game with a touch of aloha.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a beloved side dish, especially in Hawaii. Its unique sweet and tangy flavor sets it apart from traditional macaroni salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing is flavored with a special combination of sweet pickle relish, mustard, sugar, and salt that gives the pasta its signature taste. This flavorful salad is commonly served at backyard barbeques, potlucks, family gatherings, and other casual events. With its crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and chewy pasta, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a refreshing, satisfying accompaniment to traditional Hawaiian plate lunches of meat, rice, and macaroni salad.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad at home, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s a handy checklist of must-have components:
Elbow macaroni – medium shells work too! Look for a 16 oz package.
Mayonnaise – 1 cup is perfect. Use high quality mayo for best flavor.
Sweet pickle relish – 1/4 cup provides tangy sweetness. Dill or bread & butter relish can work too.
Yellow mustard – 2 tablespoons adds zing. Dijon or yellow mustard will both work.
Making Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is easy with this simple step-by-step guide:
Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni thoroughly and rinse with cool water. Set aside.
Make the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until uniform in color and consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess if needed.
Fold in vegetables: Add the diced celery and onion to the dressing and mix together. Then add the cooked macaroni and gently fold into the vegetables and dressing until thoroughly combined.
Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour, or ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
With this easy technique, your Hawaiian Macaroni Salad will have the perfect creamy dressing clinging to each tender pasta piece and crunchy veggie.
Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad complements a variety of dishes. Here are some tasty meal ideas:
Pair it with kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, or grilled mahi mahi for a plate lunch.
Top it on a hamburger or sandwich for a sweet and tangy crunch.
Serve it alongside barbecued meats or grilled shrimp.
Use it to add brightness to rich stews or chili.
Spoon it over leafy greens for a main-dish pasta salad.
Stir it into tuna or egg salad for extra flavor and texture.
With its adaptable sweet-tangy flavor, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad can enliven all types of savory dishes. Create your own signature combination.
FAQs: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Why does Hawaiian mac salad taste different?
Hawaiian mac salad has a unique blend of flavors not found in traditional mac salad. It contains ingredients like shredded carrot, green onion, diced celery, and mayonnaise that give it a tangy, sweet flavor profile. The use of Hawaiian staples like macadamia nuts and pineapple also lend a tropical twist.
How does Hawaiian macaroni salad set itself apart from the rest?
Hawaiian mac salad stands out from traditional mac salad in a few ways:
It uses elbow macaroni rather than shell pasta. The elbows hold the dressing and mix-ins well.
It has a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and milk or cream. This gives a rich, tangy flavor.
It includes mix-ins like carrot, celery, green onion, and pineapple for extra color, crunch, and sweetness.
It often contains macadamia nuts and/or bacon for a touch of saltiness and crunch.
It’s mildly sweet from pineapple and a bit tangy from the creamy dressing. The overall flavor profile is tropical and complex.
How do you keep homemade macaroni salad from drying out?
To prevent macaroni salad from drying out, it’s important to:
Not overcook the pasta – cook just until al dente. Rinse in cold water to stop cooking.
Toss the pasta with the creamy dressing while still hot. This helps the pasta absorb flavor.
Refrigerate in an airtight container. The cold temperature helps the pasta retain moisture.
Stir in a little extra dressing/milk if needed once chilled to moisten it up.
Don’t prepare too far in advance. Mac salad is best eaten within a day or two.
Mix in a little extra mayo or sour cream before serving to add moisture.
Keep stored in the fridge until ready to serve. Don’t leave it out at room temperature.
Conclusion: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
With its sweet and tangy dressing coating creamy pasta and crisp vegetables, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a cherished potluck staple and backyard treat. For authentic flavor, use quality ingredients like sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, and a hefty dose of mayonnaise. Letting the salad chill allows the flavors to properly meld. Serve this mac salad alongside barbecued and grilled meats, on sandwiches, or tossed into leafy greens. With this easy recipe and serving tips, you can bring the spirit of Hawaii to your next meal! From luau-worthy to everyday eats, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a tasty addition to any table.
1 pound macaroni pasta (elbow or other small pasta)
2-2 ½ cups mayonnaise (Best Foods or Hellman's recommended)
½ cup milk
1-2 carrots, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients (3-5):
1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
¼ cup shredded onion
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Other optional additions: diced celery, cooked and flaked cooked chicken or ham, chopped fresh pineapple
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions for al dente (slightly softer than usual, as it will cook further after draining). Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, shred the carrots and onion (if using). You can also dice any other optional vegetables like celery or pineapple at this time.
Whisk the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar (if using), sugar (if using), garlic powder (if using), and paprika (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and drained pasta, shredded carrots (and other vegetables, if using). Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
Chill (Optional): For a creamier salad and for the flavors to meld, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Pasta Selection: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne can be used as well.
Mayonnaise: While Best Foods or Hellman's mayonnaise is traditionally used, you can substitute with your preferred brand.
Sweetness: Some recipes omit the sugar, while others add a touch for a sweet and savory balance. Adjust to your taste preference.
Creaminess: The amount of milk in the dressing can be adjusted depending on your desired level of creaminess.
Additions: Feel free to get creative with your Hawaiian Macaroni Salad! Diced cooked chicken or ham, chopped fresh pineapple, or chopped green bell pepper are all popular additions.
Nutrition Facts
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Serves: 4-6 servings
Amount Per Serving:
1 cup
Calories
400-500
% Daily Value*
Total Fat20-30 g
30.8%
Saturated Fat 5-10 g
25%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol30-40 mg
10%
Sodium400-600 mg
16.7%
Total Carbohydrate40-50 g
13.3%
Dietary Fiber 1-2 g
4%
Sugars 4-8 g
Protein5-10 g
Vitamin A Low
Vitamin C Low
Calcium 50-70 mg
Iron 2-4 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Hello! I’m Christine Ha – a food nerd in love with eating, cooking, photography, science, and culture.
Vietnamese food was always on the table when I was a kid, but I didn’t really care for it until my late teens (what a waste!). I was a super picky eater and mostly just wanted fast food. Somewhere down the line I flipped a switch, and now home-cooked food is something I appreciate so much more. ⮕About me