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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

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.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Time Chill1 hour
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Servings: 8 -10
Calories: 492kcal
Author: Ashley Nicole

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  • Cook the Macaroni:
    Boil macaroni in salted water until very soft, about 1–2 minutes past al dente. Drain well.
  • Add Vinegar:
    While pasta is still warm, toss with apple cider vinegar. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Mix the Dressing:
    In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, and sugar until smooth.
  • Combine:
    Add cooled macaroni, shredded carrots, onion, and scallions to the dressing. Mix well to coat evenly.
  • Chill:
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) to let flavors meld.
  • Serve:
    Stir before serving and enjoy this classic island-style side!

Notes

  • Cook the pasta soft; Traditional Hawaiian mac salad uses very soft noodles, cook your macaroni slightly past al dente to absorb more dressing and give it the classic texture.
  • Make it ahead: Hawaiian mac salad tastes best when chilled overnight, so it’s perfect for prepping the day before.