Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe is a classic island-style dish known for its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and perfectly tender pasta.

Simple yet incredibly satisfying, this traditional Hawaiian side pairs perfectly with grilled meats, BBQ plates, or quick weekday meals.

Made with a rich mayo-based dressing and a few staple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to bring authentic Hawaiian comfort food right to your table. If you're looking for the best way to make smooth, creamy, and flavorful macaroni salad, this recipe delivers every time.

 

 

 

The History Behind the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

The Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe has deep roots in Hawaii’s plantation-era food culture, where affordable, filling ingredients were essential for feeding hardworking laborers.

Over time, this creamy pasta salad became a staple of local plate lunches, celebrated for its simple preparation, rich mayo-based dressing, and unique island-style flavor.

Unlike traditional American macaroni salads, the Hawaiian version is smoother, creamier, and slightly tangy, making it a beloved comfort food across the islands.

Today, it remains one of Hawaii’s most iconic side dishes, enjoyed alongside BBQ, grilled meats, and everyday family meals.

Source: Derek, 2009 - How to Make Hawaii Plate Lunch-Style Macaroni Salad

 

Watch the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe Video

Watch the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe video to see each step in action and learn exactly how to achieve the creamy, smooth, and authentic texture this iconic dish is known for.

Ingredients We Used – Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe (Serves 3)

• 3 cups macaroni (gluten-free recommended)

• 1/2 large carrot, grated (about 4 tablespoons)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic

• 1/3 teaspoon black pepper

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (Hellmann’s recommended)

How to Properly Make the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe – Step-by-Step Guide

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to prepare authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad the right way—from cooking the pasta to mixing the creamy dressing. Follow these simple steps to enjoy perfect, smooth, and flavorful Hawaiian-style macaroni salad every time.

Step 1

Fill a medium-sized pot with water and place it on the stove. Heat the pot until the water begins to boil, using medium heat. Add enough water so that it is roughly twice the amount of macaroni you plan to cook. Once the water is boiling, add 2 teaspoons of salt.

Step 2

Add the macaroni to the pot of boiling water. For 3 servings, we use 3 cups of macaroni. We use gluten-free macaroni. Don’t hesitate to invest in higher-quality macaroni — the taste will definitely be worth it.

 

Step 3

While cooking the macaroni, stir constantly every two minutes to keep them fluffy and prevent sticking. This is one of the secrets to making perfectly flavorful Hawaiian macaroni.

Step 4

Many recipes and macaroni brands suggest cooking for 10 minutes, but for this dish and to achieve the perfect taste, you should cook the macaroni for 15 minutes instead of 10.

 

Step 5

After 15 minutes, the macaroni will be perfectly cooked—soft but not too watery—and ready to be served.

Step 6

Drain the macaroni so it becomes completely dry.

 

Step 7

Transfer the dry macaroni into the bowl where you will prepare the salad. Use a larger bowl to make mixing all the ingredients easier.

Step 8

Take 1/2 of a large carrot and grate it using a hand grater with larger holes.

 

You should have about 4 tablespoons of grated carrot for 3 servings of Hawaiian macaroni salad.

Step 9

Add the grated carrot to the cooked macaroni in the bowl.

 

Step 10

Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried garlic to the bowl with the macaroni and carrots. 

Step 11

Also, add 1/3 teaspoon of black pepper.

 

Step 12

Add 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise to the salad bowl. We use Hellmann’s mayonnaise because it’s reliable and works perfectly for this salad.

Step 14

Mix all the ingredients in the bowl and taste.

Step 15

Enjoy!

 

Nutrition Information for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad (Per Serving)

Approximate nutrition per serving (for 1 of 3 servings):

• Calories: 250 kcal

• Protein: 6 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Fat: 14 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Sodium: 320 mg

This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, satisfying side dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or as part of a plate lunch.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – Quick Recipe (Serves 3)

Instructions:

• Fill a medium pot with water and bring to a boil. Add 2 tsp salt.

• Add macaroni and cook for 15 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.

• Drain macaroni in a colander and transfer to a large bowl.

• Grate 1/2 carrot (approx. 4 tbsp) and add to the macaroni.

• Add dried garlic, black pepper, and mayonnaise.

• Mix all ingredients thoroughly and taste.

• Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Enjoy your creamy and authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad!

 

The Best Mayonnaise to Use

The type of mayonnaise you choose for your Hawaiian Macaroni Salad makes a huge difference! Using the right brand ensures your salad has that classic creamy, smooth, and slightly tangy flavor. For this recipe, we recommend Hellmann’s mayonnaise, as it blends perfectly with the macaroni and other ingredients. If you prefer, Best Foods is also an excellent choice and works just as well. Investing in a good-quality mayonnaise really pays off in flavor.

Source: Susie, 2025 - Hawaiian Mac Salad

Tips for Perfect Macaroni

To achieve the perfect texture, cook the macaroni for about 15 minutes until soft but not mushy. Stir frequently while cooking to keep the macaroni fluffy and prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and transfer to a large bowl before mixing with the other ingredients. This ensures the salad has the ideal creamy consistency without being too watery.

 

Nutrition Information for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

• 1 Serving: 250 kcal

• 2 Servings: 500 kcal

• 3 Servings: 750 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. For best results, store it in the refrigerator and mix in the dressing right before serving to keep it creamy and fresh.

2. How long does it stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this salad stays fresh for up to 2–3 days.

 

3. Can I use regular pasta instead of macaroni?

Yes, but traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad uses small elbow macaroni for the authentic texture and creamy consistency.

4. Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative, such as a plant-based mayo.

5. Should I cook the macaroni al dente or soft?

For the perfect Hawaiian macaroni salad, cook the macaroni slightly softer than al dente—about 15 minutes—so it’s tender but not mushy.

6. Can I add other ingredients?

Yes! Some variations include chopped onions, bell peppers, or even crushed pineapple for a sweeter, tropical twist.