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4.8 from 498 votes

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.

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

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  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

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

% 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.