The Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad for BBQs and Potlucks

This Hawaiian macaroni salad recipe is perfect for hot summer days, church potlucks and the perfect side dish at any BBQ. Plus it only takes a few minutes to make! I love how creamy and tangy and slightly sweet this pasta salad is.

In this post, I’m sharing the best Hawaiian macaroni salad recipe you can make at home. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or serving alongside Fried Rabbit, Stove top Ranch Rabbit, or my favorite, a Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich.

What Is Hawaiian Macaroni Salad?

Hawaiian macaroni salad is unlike other American-style macaroni salads that are loaded with eggs, pickles, or mustard. The Hawaiian version keeps it simple and creamy. The dressing is a unique mix of mayonnaise, milk, and a touch of sugar, giving it a tangy-sweet flavor that complements savory dishes.

What makes this dish so delicious? Overcooked pasta. Yes, you read that right. Traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad uses elbow macaroni that’s cooked a little longer than al dente so it can soak up the flavorful dressing. Who would have thought?

Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Salad

• Budget-friendly: Simple pantry staples turned into something delicious.
• Crowd-pleasing: Always a hit at BBQs, picnics, and family dinners.
• Easy to prep ahead: Ideal for parties and potlucks.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make an authentic macaroni salad:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup shredded onion
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced

How to Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until very soft, about 1–2 minutes past al dente. This allows the pasta to absorb more of the creamy dressing.

Don’t skip the salt in your pasta water, it enhances the flavor of the entire salad.

Step 2: Add Vinegar

Once drained, immediately toss the warm pasta with apple cider vinegar. Let it sit and cool for about 10 minutes. This step infuses the pasta with a tangy base and helps prevent clumping.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, and sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Mix it All Together

Once the pasta is cooled, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Fold in the shredded carrots, onion, and sliced scallions. Mix until everything is well-coated.

Step 5: Chill

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to soak up even more of the dressing.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, give it a good stir. If it looks a little dry, you can mix in a splash of milk or an extra spoonful of mayo to bring it back to life.

Tips for the Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Use extra-soft pasta: This is one of the few pasta salads where overcooked noodles are not just okay—they’re important. The softer texture creates the creamy consistency Hawaiian mac salad is known for.

Chill overnight: Letting the salad sit in the fridge overnight makes a huge difference in flavor. It gives the pasta time to fully absorb the dressing.

Don’t overload the mix-ins: Hawaiian mac salad is meant to be simple. A few veggies add flavor and texture and keep this side dish simple.

Adjust the sweetness: Some people like their dressing sweeter, while others prefer more tang. Feel free to taste and adjust the sugar or vinegar to your liking.

Variations to Try

Want to switch things up while still keeping that island flavor? Try these variations:

• Add diced pineapple for a sweeter twist.
• Chopped ham for added protein.
• Mix in chopped celery or red bell pepper for extra crunch.
• Spice it up with a dash of cayenne or sriracha in the dressing.

Just keep in mind that traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad is known for being simple, so go easy on the extras if you want to preserve that authentic flavor.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Hawaiian macaroni salad is an excellent make-ahead side dish. In fact, it tastes better the next day!

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving and add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the dressing.

Freezing: Not recommended. The mayo-based dressing may separate after freezing and thawing.

Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just want an easy summer side dish, this Hawaiian macaroni salad is sure to become a favorite. It’s creamy, tangy, and satisfying, everything a great side dish should be. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal prep.

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