This Easy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe is creamy, flavorful, and the perfect side dish for a Hawaiian mixed plate. It’s simple to make with a few classic ingredients and pairs perfectly with Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and white rice.

Whether you’re making a full Hawaiian plate lunch at home or just need an easy side for a BBQ, this macaroni salad is always a hit!

Ingredients in Hawaiian Mac Salad

Name: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: Dinner
Ingredients: 1 (16-ounce) box elbow macaroni; 2 cups mayonnaise; 2 carrots, shredded; 1/4 onion, finely shredded or minced; 1/4 cup milk; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; Salt and pepper, to taste

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. It comes together easily and is the perfect make ahead side dish for a Hawaiian mixed plate.

Elbow macaroni – One 16-ounce package is the base of this classic macaroni salad.
Mayonnaise – Makes the salad rich, creamy, and delicious.
Carrots – Finely shredded carrots add a little crunch, color, and natural sweetness.
Onion – Finely grated or minced onion adds a little savory flavor without overpowering the salad.
Milk – Helps create a smooth, creamy dressing that coats the macaroni.
Sugar – Just a little sugar adds the subtle sweetness that Hawaiian style macaroni salad is known for.
Apple cider vinegar – Adds a touch of tanginess to balance the creamy and sweet flavors.
Salt and pepper – Add to taste to bring all the flavors together.

How to Make Macaroni Salad

Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package directions and add a couple minutes to make the noodles extra soft. Drain the noodles and set aside.

While the macaroni is cooking, shred the carrots and onion. Add the apple cider vinegar, carrots and onion to the cooked noodles and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Give it a good stir, then refrigerate again before serving. Chilling the macaroni salad gives all the flavors a chance to come together and makes it even better!

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Yield: 10

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Additional Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 42 minutes

This easy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is creamy, slightly sweet, and full of flavor. Made with soft macaroni, shredded carrots, onion, and a simple mayo dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for a Hawaiian mixed plate or backyard BBQ.

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Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) box elbow macaroni
2 cups mayonnaise
2 carrots, shredded
¼ onion, finely shredded or minced
¼ cup milk
2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, adding a couple of extra minutes so the noodles are extra soft. Drain and set aside.
While the macaroni is cooking, shred the carrots and onion.
Add the apple cider vinegar, carrots, and onion to the cooked noodles. Stir to combine, then refrigerate for 10 minutes.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, milk, and sugar. Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and add salt and pepper to taste.
Give everything a good stir until the macaroni is evenly coated. Refrigerate before serving to allow the flavors to come together.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 375Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 6gUnsaturated Fat: 32gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 322mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g

Make a Hawaiian Mixed Plate

Want to turn this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad into a complete Hawaiian mixed plate? It’s so easy! Serve a scoop of creamy macaroni salad alongside our Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and steamed white rice.

This combination is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, backyard BBQ, or anytime you’re craving a little taste of Hawaii at home. Enjoy! xo, Bri