Sunny Tropical Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

Summer barbecues buzz with excitement when a classic Hawaiian macaroni salad hits the table, sending taste buds on a tropical adventure.

This creamy, tangy side dish captures the essence of island cuisine with its simple yet irresistible blend of ingredients.

Locals have perfected this recipe over generations, turning a humble pasta into a celebration of flavors.

The magic lies in its rich, velvety dressing that coats each tender pasta shell with pure comfort.

Hawaiian mac salad stands apart from standard picnic versions, offering a unique blend of creaminess and zest.

Crisp vegetables and perfectly cooked macaroni create a harmonious balance that complements grilled meats and seafood.

Dive into this delectable recipe and transport your dinner plate straight to the Hawaiian islands.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 9

What Makes Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad So Good

• Macaroni: Soft, plump pasta that soaks up creamy dressing beautifully; choose high-quality elbow macaroni for authentic texture.

• Half-and-Half, Mayonnaise: Luxurious combination creates smooth, rich base; select full-fat mayo for maximum flavor depth.
• Grated Onion: Adds subtle, sharp flavor complexity; fresh yellow onions provide the best zesty punch.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Introduces gentle sweetness and depth; opt for moist, fresh brown sugar.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning enhancers; use freshly ground black pepper for robust taste.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens and balances the creamy dressing; choose unfiltered, organic vinegar for deeper flavor.
• Green Onions: Provides sharp, fresh herbal notes; select bright green, crisp stalks.
• Celery: Introduces delightful crunch and subtle pepperiness; pick firm, bright green stalks.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color; select fresh, crisp carrots for best texture.

Items You’ll Need for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

• Medium bowl: Perfect for whisking together creamy dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing smoothly and preventing lumps.
• Colander: Needed to drain soft, plump macaroni after cooking.
• Large pot: Crucial for cooking pasta and mixing salad components.
• Cutting board: Great for chopping green onions, celery, and carrots.
• Sharp knife: Helps chop vegetables precisely and quickly.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate salt and pepper measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring macaroni and mixing ingredients.
• Plastic wrap: Used to cover salad while chilling in refrigerator.

How to Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

• Creamy Dressing Preparation

Blend half-and-half, mayonnaise, grated onion, brown sugar, salt, and pepper into a smooth mixture. Refrigerate this tangy sauce while preparing other components.

• Pasta Softening

Boil macaroni longer than package directions to achieve extra softness. Drain pasta and return to pot, then splash with apple cider vinegar. Let the pasta absorb the vinegar and cool at room temperature.

• Veggie and Flavor Infusion

Mix half the prepared dressing into the cooled pasta. Incorporate remaining dressing, chopped green onions, crisp celery, and shredded carrots. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Allow salad to reach room temperature.

• Chilling and Serving

Transfer salad to a serving bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours. This resting time allows flavors to meld together, creating a rich and creamy Hawaiian-style side dish perfect for gatherings.

Boost the Flavor of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

• Overcook the macaroni slightly for an authentic Hawaiian-style softness that soaks up more dressing, creating a creamy and rich consistency.
• Experiment with adding grated ginger or a splash of rice vinegar to the dressing for an extra tangy and aromatic twist that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Fold in diced ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon bits to transform this side dish into a satisfying main course with added protein.
• Swap or add different vegetables like diced cucumber, red bell peppers, or edamame to introduce new textures and nutritional variety to the classic macaroni salad.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and intensify, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings.

Serve Your Macaroni Salad Island-Style

• Hawaiian Luau Companion: Perfect alongside grilled teriyaki chicken or kalua pork, bringing authentic island flavors to your plate.
• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Ideal for outdoor gatherings, beach parties, and summer barbecues where cool, creamy side dishes shine.
• Protein Power Partner: Complement with grilled fish, shredded pulled pork, or tropical glazed salmon for a complete and satisfying meal experience.
• Potluck Superstar: Travels well in sealed containers, making it an amazing contribution to community events and family reunions where crowd-pleasing dishes are celebrated.

Store Classic Macaroni Salad Safely

• Flavor Boost Timing: Prepare this macaroni salad a day ahead to let the flavors meld and intensify, creating a more delicious side dish for gatherings.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store the salad in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the creamy dressing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Chop vegetables and prepare the dressing up to two days in advance to streamline your meal preparation process. Keep ingredients separate until ready to mix.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide the salad into smaller containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or picnic portions. This method helps maintain freshness and prevents unnecessary waste.

Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hawaiian macaroni salad brings comfort from Pacific island kitchens with creamy dressing and tender pasta. Ingredients blend simple flavors that welcome summer gatherings where friends gather around delicious sides.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s)
• 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) half-and-half
• 1 pound (454 g/16 oz) elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) grated carrots
• 2 large celery ribs, chopped into ¼-inch pieces
• 5 green onions, white and green parts sliced thin
• 1 ½ tbsps (22.5 ml/0.75 fl oz) grated yellow onion
• 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) dark brown sugar
• 2 tsps pepper
• 1 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Dressing Creation: Whisk half-and-half, mayonnaise, grated onion, dark brown sugar, salt, and pepper into a silky blend. Refrigerate to intensify flavor profiles.
2. Pasta Preparation: Cook macaroni 5 minutes longer than standard instructions for ultra-tender texture. Drain completely and return to pot, drizzling apple cider vinegar. Allow pasta to absorb liquid at room temperature for 20 minutes.
3. Flavor Infusion: Pour half the prepared dressing over macaroni, stirring thoroughly. Let rest 20 minutes to maximize taste absorption. Fold in remaining dressing, green onions, celery, and carrots. Gently combine ingredients and season to taste.
4. Resting and Chilling: Allow salad to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, enabling flavor harmonization. Transfer to serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to develop authentic Hawaiian-style depth and complexity.

Notes

• Maximize Pasta Texture: Cook macaroni 5 minutes longer than package instructions to achieve ultra-tender, plump pasta that absorbs dressing beautifully.
• Vinegar Infusion Technique: Drizzle hot macaroni with apple cider vinegar and rest at room temperature to help pasta develop deep, tangy flavor notes.
• Strategic Dressing Application: Add dressing in stages, allowing pasta to gradually absorb flavors and create a rich, creamy consistency.
• Chill for Authentic Flavor: Refrigerate salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop a truly authentic Hawaiian-style taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg