Name: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 cups mayonnaise; 1/2 cup milk; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 2 large carrots, grated; 1/4 cup white onion, grated; salt and pepper

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The most delicious side dish! Hawaiian Macaroni Salad has macaroni noodles, grated carrots, onions, and a creamy dressing. It’s tangy and sweet and delicious!

I got really into a Hawaiian place near our old house several years ago. (C&H Hawaiian Grill near Fort Hood!)

So much so that after we loaded up the moving truck, our final stop before moving an hour away was to get one last loco moco plate with Hawaiian macaroni salad.

Traditional Hawaiian mac salad is really so simple but has so much flavors. It’s elbow macaroni that gets tossed with apple cider vinegar (so it soaks up all that tanginess), finely grated carrots and white onions, and it’s all tossed in a creamy dressing.

You’re going to want to make this for all your BBQs this spring and summer! Or, you know, just a regular ol’ dinner side dish in the middle of January. Either way!

Overhead photo of Hawaiian macaroni salad with grated carrots

Ingredients

Elbow macaroni – you can use any small pasta shape but elbow macaroni is the traditional one used.
Apple cider vinegar – this gives the dressing it’s signature tang.
Mayonnaise – this is what makes the dressing creamy and delicious.
Milk
Granulated sugar – it isn’t going to be overly sweet but it does need a bit of sweetness
Carrots – you are going to finely shred these. They add a fun texture and a tiny bit of sweetness to the salad.
White onion – the sharp onion really cuts through the sweetness. Plus, it gives a fun texture.
salt and pepper

How To Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Cook pasta. Cook pasta, strain, and return to pot. Toss with apple cider vinegar. Let cool for about 10 minutes
Make sauce. While pasta cools, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, and granulated sugar until smooth. Stir in grated carrots and onion. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Combine. Pour sauce over the slightly cooled pasta and toss to make sure everything is coated.
Chill and serve. Refrigerate at least an hour before serving. Add more milk as necessary, only a splash at a time.

How Long Is It Good For?

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad will be fine in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight containers – these are my favorite containers.

It will get a little thick in the fridge so I like to add a tablespoon or so of milk to it and give it a good stir before serving.

What To Serve With It?

I like to serve this Hawaiian Mac Salad with Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian BBQ Ribs, and Hawaiian Sloppy Joes.

Can You Freeze It?

I don’t recommend trying to freeze this macaroni salad.

Can You Make It Ahead/

It needs to be made an hour ahead of time but it can be made up to 6 hours ahead. Just cover and chill until you are ready to serve it.

Close up shot of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad; macaroni noodles with grated carrots in a creamy dressing

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Yield: 10 - 12 servings