Classic Macaroni Hawaiian Salad (Easy Homemade Recipe)

Another benefit of this authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, like crunchy bell peppers, chicken, or ham. It’s also a wonderful way to use any leftover pasta or veggies in the fridge. 

If you are looking for more pasta salad recipes, I have a few more you might want to try. A classic simple salad to make is a dill pasta salad, which is great for a family BBQ. Or, for something a little different, make this deviled egg pasta salad instead.

Still in the mood for more macaroni recipes? Try this classic creamy baked mac and cheese for dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

• Easy to Prepare: This salad requires simple, straightforward steps, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. It can be ready quickly, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful and Tangy: The combination of tangy apple cider vinegar and savory vegetables creates flavor in every bite, satisfying a wide range of palates.
• Versatile Ingredients: This simple recipe is highly customizable. You can easily adjust these simple ingredients to suit your preferences or use what you have, making it a flexible addition to any meal plan.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual barbecue, a festive holiday dinner, or a simple family meal, this classic Hawaiian macaroni salad recipe fits right in. It can be made beforehand so you can relax and enjoy the event.

What’s in This Classic Macaroni Hawaiian Salad Recipe?

• Elbow Macaroni pasta: These small, curved pasta shapes are perfect for salads as they hold the dressing well and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. Cook them until al dente to maintain a pleasant texture in the dish.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This tangy and slightly sweet vinegar adds a refreshing zest to the salad and helps balance the creamy richness of the mayonnaise-based dressing.
• Carrots: Fresh, grated carrots add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch to the salad. They also bring a vibrant orange color, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal.
• Celery: Chopped celery provides a mild, pleasant crunch and pairs well with the other vegetables. Its light, peppery flavor offers a nice contrast to the richness of the dressing.
• Sweet Onions: Finely diced sweet onions add a subtle but distinct sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors. This balanced addition enhances the overall taste of the salad.
• Green Onion: Also known as scallions, green onions add a mild, crisp flavor and a pop of green color. They are less pungent than regular onions, making them perfect for salads.
• Best Foods Real Mayonnaise: This brand of mayonnaise is known for its creamy consistency and rich flavor, providing the perfect base for the salad dressing. It binds the ingredients together while adding a luscious texture.
• Half and Half: This dairy product, a blend of milk and cream, adds a silky smoothness to the dressing. It helps to create a well-rounded and creamy texture without being too heavy.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the tanginess of the vinegar and the savory elements, tying all the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. A dash of salt and pepper ensures that the salad is perfectly seasoned.
• Paprika: This spice adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a touch of red color. It’s the final garnish that elevates the presentation and taste of the salad.

Substitutions and Additions

• Greek Yogurt: To lighten up the dressing, replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will still provide a creamy texture while adding a tangy flavor and a protein boost. You could also use milk instead of half and half, but the dressing will be thinner.
• Red Bell Pepper: Add diced red bell peppers for a sweet, crunchy addition that enhances the salad’s color. 
• Pineapple Chunks: For a tropical twist, mix in pineapple chunks or tidbits. The pineapple’s sweetness pairs wonderfully with the tangy vinegar and creamy dressing.
• Ham or Chicken: To make the salad more substantial, add cubed ham or shredded cooked chicken. This will turn it into a heartier main dish.
• Peas: Incorporating peas can add a pop of color and a slight sweetness, and they blend well with the other ingredients.
• Olives: Sliced black or green olives can provide a salty, tangy contrast to the creamy dressing and sweet elements.
• Dijon Mustard: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a bit of zest and a layer of flavor complexity.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes can add freshness and a juicy texture to the salad.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar or crumbled feta can be added for those who enjoy a cheesy element in their pasta salad.

How to Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad (step-by-step directions)

1. First, boil a large pot of salted water and cook your elbow pasta 3 minutes longer than the package directions say for al dente. Once done, drain the cooked pasta using a colander and put the hot pasta into a large bowl. (Photos 1 & 2)
2. Next, drizzle some apple cider vinegar over the warm pasta and gently mix it with a wooden spoon. Let it cool while you prep the other ingredients. (Photos 3 & 4)

1. Mix the carrots, celery, both types of onions, mayonnaise, half and half, sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika in a separate bowl. Give it a good stir until it’s well combined. Do a quick taste test and tweak the seasonings to your liking. (Photos 5 & 6)
2. Now, pour this mixture into the bowl with the cooled pasta. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently fold everything until the pasta is nicely coated in the dressing. (Photo 7)
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 hours to let the flavors meld. For the best results, let it chill overnight.
4. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle a little bit of fresh chopped green onions or parsley on top. Serve it chilled, and enjoy! (Photo 8)

Recipe Tips

• Cook Pasta Properly: Ensure the pasta is slightly overcooked by about 3 minutes more than the package instructions for al dente. This allows the macaroni to absorb the dressing more effectively, giving the salad a creamy texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality vegetables to maximize the crispness and flavor in your salad. Freshly chopped carrots, celery, and onions will make a noticeable difference.
• Cool Pasta Completely: Let the pasta cool down completely after drizzling it with apple cider vinegar. This step prevents the mayonnaise dressing from becoming too runny when mixed with the warm pasta.
• Mix Dressing Thoroughly: Ensure the dressing ingredients are thoroughly mixed before adding them to the pasta. This guarantees an even distribution of flavors throughout the salad.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dressing before mixing it into the pasta and adjust the seasonings as needed. Adding more salt, pepper, or sugar can help balance the flavors to your preference.
• Fold Gently: When combining the pasta with the dressing, fold the ingredients gently to avoid breaking the pasta pieces and to keep the salad looking neat and appetizing.
• Serve Chilled: Always serve the salad well-chilled. The flavors meld together beautifully when the salad is given ample time to rest in the refrigerator.

Storing Tips 

Transfer leftover classic macaroni salad to an airtight container to store. Ensure the container is securely sealed to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting the salad’s flavor. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 

Before serving leftovers, gently stir the salad to mix any separated dressing and refresh the dish. Freezing this Hawaiian mac salad recipe is not recommended, as the creamy dressing and the texture of the pasta may change when thawed, resulting in a less appealing consistency.

Serving Suggestions 

Hawaiian style macaroni salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile side. It is a staple at Hawaiian restaurants and barbecues (or “plate lunches”), where it is often served alongside grilled meats like teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, or Huli Huli chicken. The creamy and slightly tangy flavors of the salad complement the savory and smoky notes of the grilled meats perfectly. 

Consider serving it with grilled vegetables or garden salads for a lighter meal to add a fresh, crisp element to your plate. This macaroni salad is a perfect side dish for easy sandwiches or wraps, particularly those with hearty fillings like pulled pork, turkey, or ham. 

For a picnic or casual gathering, macaroni salad can be paired with burgers, cheeseburger sliders, or fried chicken. Its cool, creamy texture helps balance the rich and sometimes greasy main dishes, providing a refreshing contrast. 

Recipe FAQs

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