If you haven't had this Hawaiian macaroni salad before you are missing out ! This is an easy Hawaiian Mac Salad that you can create at home. If you are a fan of pasta salads this one is a must try! It goes so perfectly with Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, Bbq plates Kalua Pork and Spam Rice Balls.

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There is just something in the Hawaiian Macaroni salad that goes so well with Kalua Pork or Hawaiian BBQ Chicken plate lunch. Whenever we do takeout, that one little scoop of Hawaiian Pasta Salad is never enough and always leaves me wanting more. Even if I really try to ration myself, I'm always a bit sad when it's all gone. Now I make this Macaroni Salad and there's plenty to go around!
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🥘 Ingredients
- elbow macaroni
- carrot (shredded)
- shredded onion
- mayonnaise (best foods)
- vinegar
- white pepper
- Hawaiian Sea Salt or salt
- whole milk
🔪 Instructions
- Cook Macaroni according to packaging
- While the macaroni is cooking, Use a grater to shred 1 carrot and ¼ cup of onion (1 small onion or ½ large onion)
- Once the Macaroni is done cooking, drain it but do not rinse. (We need the residual heat from the macaroni to cook the onions and carrots)
- Transfer macaroni to a large bowl and immediately add shredded onions and carrots
- Mix together and set aside to cool for 15-30 minutes
- Once cooled, add in white pepper, salt , mayo and milk
- Mix together and refrigerate at least 4 hours prior to serving or overnight
- Enjoy!
🍗 Substitutions & Variations
- Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
- Rice vinegar or white vinegar can be substituted for apple cider vinegar.
- Celery can be added for extra crunch and flavor
- Proteins add cooked and chopped hard-boiled eggs or canned tuna for a protein boost
- Black Pepper can be used as a substitute for white pepper
🫙 Storage
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.
💡 Top tip
For best results, refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
💭 FAQ
A: Yes, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
A: Traditional Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is not gluten-free due to the use of macaroni pasta noodles, but gluten-free pasta can be substituted to make it gluten-free.
Notes
**I know this might seem like a lot of Mayo, but you can scale back and add more later if needed. The milk will also help a bit with the creaminess. I love using Best Foods Mayonnaise since it has the richest taste, but using the Low Fat version will cut the fat in half!
With its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and versatile appeal, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy this iconic dish at your next gathering and bring a taste of the islands to your table!
📖 Recipe Card

The Best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- ½ lb small elbow macaroni
- 1 carrot (shredded)
- ¼ cup shredded onion (1 small onion or ½ large one)
- ¾-1 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoon vinegar
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon Hawaiian Sea Salt or salt
- 3 tablespoon whole milk
Save this recipe! 💌
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni according to packaging
- While the macaroni is cooking, Use a grater to shred 1 carrot and ¼ cup of onion (1 small onion or ½ large onion)
- Once the Macaroni is done cooking, drain it but do not rinse. (We need the residual heat from the macaroni to cook the onions and carrots)
- Transfer macaroni to a bowl and immediately add shredded onions and carrots
- Mix together and set aside to cool for 15-30 minutes
- Once cooled, add in white pepper, salt , mayo and milk
- Mix together and refrigerate atleast 4 hours prior to serving or overnight
- Enjoy!
Video
@thesavorychopstick Hawaiian mac easy recipe - full recipe on my IG #foodtiktok #easyrecipe #hawaiianfood #macsalad #fyp #foryoupage #videorecipe ♬ About Damn Time - Lizzo






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