Hawaiian Macaroni Salad (Mac Salad)

User Reviews

4.8

498 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Resting Time

    1 hr 10 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr 30 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Calories

    443 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish, Salad

  • Cuisine

    American, Hawaiian

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad (Mac Salad)

Hawaiian Mac Salad is a staple on a Hawaiian plate lunch. This classic side dish features elbow macaroni smothered in a mayonnaise dressing with grated carrot and onion. It's the perfect tangy and creamy counterpart to any meal.

I Made This!

373 people made this

Save this

298 people saved this

Ingredients

Servings
  • 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 carrot peeled and grated
  • 2 tablespoons grated onion (it will be liquidy)
  • 1 ¼ cups Best Foods or Hellman’s mayonnaise (I use Light Hellman's—same great taste, less calories!)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Add to Shopping List

Instructions

  1. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni according to package directions (see notes). Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the apple cider vinegar over the top, add the carrot and onion, stir, and let it cool slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, and sugar. Stir the mayonnaise mixture into the macaroni, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Gently stir before serving, and if needed thin it out with a teaspoon or two of milk or a little more mayo.

Notes

  • The locals tend to overcook the pasta until it’s soft and fat. I prefer to cook until tender but not really overcooked. This is a matter of personal preference.
  • You absolutely must use Best Foods or Hellman's brand mayonnaise for the dressing. These are the only brands of mayo that are traditionally used in this dish. They are technically the same brand, but have different names depending on the US region where you purchase them.
  • The serving size for this recipe is based on an ice cream scoop of salad per plate. You can even halve the quantity in the recipe, and it is still plentiful. If you desire more macaroni per person, make the full recipe, or even double it for a party or potluck.
  • You can include this fantastically simple Hawaiian mac salad on a classic plate lunch. This terminology refers to a plated meal consisting of a serving of protein, steamed rice, and mayo-based salad. Make your own classic Hawaiian plate lunch by pairing this easy Hawaiian mac salad with another standby: Loco Moco.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 443kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 30g (10%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 34g (52%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 20g Monounsaturated Fat 8g Cholesterol 17mg (6%) Sodium 306mg (13%) Potassium 112mg (3%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 443 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 443kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 30g 10%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 34g 52%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 20g 118%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 17mg 6%
Sodium 306mg 13%
Potassium 112mg 2%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.8

498 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

American
5.0 (36 reviews)

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

American
5.0 (3 reviews)

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Oceania, American
5.0 (36 reviews)

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

American, Hawaiian
4.5 (1,938 reviews)

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian
5.0 (21 reviews)

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

American
4.8 (24 reviews)

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

American
5.0 (27 reviews)

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

Hawaiian
5.0 (12 reviews)

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

American
5.0 (3 reviews)

Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian
5.0 (2,094 reviews)

Classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian
5.0 (21 reviews)

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

American, Hawaiian
5.0 (18 reviews)

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

American
4.6 (24 reviews)

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

American
4.7 (9 reviews)