If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to complement your summer BBQs, picnics, or family gatherings, then this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the answer. Creamy, tangy, and packed with texture, this classic dish will take your taste buds on a tropical vacation. It’s like a creamy pasta salad with a hint of sweetness, all balanced with a savory bite. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Versatile This salad is perfect for almost any occasion – from casual cookouts to festive holiday dinners.
Budget-Friendly With just a few basic ingredients, this salad is affordable and makes a large batch to feed a crowd.
Quick and Easy You won’t need hours in the kitchen. Just cook the pasta, mix everything together, and chill – done!
Customizable Feel free to add some extra ingredients, like chopped pineapple, shredded carrots, or green onions, to make this salad your own.
Crowd-Pleasing Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is always a hit, whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or bringing it to a potluck. It’s one of those dishes that everyone asks for the recipe after they try it!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, flavorful salad:
Macaroni Pasta The base of the salad. Cooked to just the right texture, it’s the perfect vehicle for the creamy dressing.
Mayonnaise The creamy goodness that binds the salad together and gives it that rich texture.
Apple Cider Vinegar A touch of acidity that balances the creamy mayo, giving the salad its signature tang.
Sugar A hint of sweetness to round out the flavors and complement the vinegar.
Carrots Shredded carrots add a bit of crunch and a burst of color to the salad.
Celery Chopped celery for some extra crunch and freshness.
Sweet Pickle Relish Adds a little sweetness and tang to the dish, perfect for that Hawaiian-style flavor.
Salt and Pepper To taste, to bring out all the flavors in the salad.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this creamy and tangy macaroni salad:
Cook the Pasta Begin by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down and prevent it from getting mushy.
Make the Dressing In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. The dressing should be creamy with just the right balance of tanginess and sweetness.
Mix the Salad In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the shredded carrots, chopped celery, and sweet pickle relish.
Add the Dressing Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, and mix everything together until it’s evenly coated.
Chill the Salad For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy! After chilling, give it one final stir and serve chilled. This salad is perfect as a side dish to any meal, or on its own for a light and satisfying lunch.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Servings 6
Calories per serving 250
(Note These values are approximate.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
How to Serve Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs for the perfect summer BBQ.
- Add it to a picnic spread along with some fresh fruit and chips for a light, satisfying meal.
- Pair with a tropical-themed meal, like grilled fish or pineapple-glazed ribs.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to ensure your Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is always a hit:
- Chill it longer If you have the time, let it chill in the fridge for several hours or even overnight for maximum flavor.
- Make it your own Add diced ham, hard-boiled eggs, or even pineapple for a more tropical twist.
- Adjust the sweetness Taste the dressing before mixing it in and adjust the sugar if you like a sweeter salad.
FAQ’s
1 Can I use a different type of pasta Yes, you can use any short pasta, such as elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne.
2 Can I make this salad ahead of time Yes! This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
3 Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayo if you’re looking for a lighter option.
4 Can I add other veggies Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, peas, or even onions for more flavor and texture.
5 How long does this salad last This salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.
6 Can I freeze the salad It’s not recommended to freeze macaroni salad, as the mayo can separate and affect the texture once thawed.
7 Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar Yes, you can substitute white vinegar, but apple cider vinegar gives a slightly milder, sweeter taste.
8 Can I make it spicier For a little kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the dressing.
9 Is this salad gluten-free To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta.
10 Can I make this vegan Yes, use vegan mayo and check the relish for any animal-based ingredients to make it fully vegan.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying a summer BBQ or just looking for a quick and easy side dish, this salad checks all the boxes. Creamy, tangy, and satisfying – it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Try it out, and let it transport you to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii with every bite!
Print
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Boil, Mix, Chill
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish that’s a staple in island plate lunches. Tender elbow macaroni is tossed with crisp celery, grated carrot, and a luscious mayonnaise-based dressing, creating a refreshing complement to BBQ, fried chicken, or any tropical meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite small pasta)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat preferred for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 1/4 cup peas
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled macaroni, celery, grated carrot, and green onions to the dressing. Toss gently to combine. If using any optional add-ins, fold them in at this stage.
- Chill: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Give the salad a quick stir before serving chilled.
Notes
This salad improves in flavor when made a day ahead.
Customize with your favorite add-ins for extra texture or protein.
Keep refrigerated until serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 cup)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: ~5 g
- Sodium: ~300 mg
- Fat: ~20 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~16 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~20 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~4 g
- Cholesterol: ~10 mg