⭐ Description
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a super creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy pasta salad made with soft macaroni and a rich mayo-based dressing. It’s a classic Hawaiian plate lunch side—simple, chilled, and ridiculously delicious 😍
🕒 Prep Time: 10 mins
🍳 Cook Time: 10 mins
❄️ Chill Time: 1 hr
⏱ Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
🍽 Servings: 4–6
🔥 Nutrition: ~420 kcal per serving
🛒 Ingredients
🍝 Pasta
2 cups elbow macaroni
Salted water (for boiling)
🥣 Creamy Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise (important: full-fat for authenticity)
2 tbsp milk (or more for creaminess) 🥛
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 🍎
1 tbsp sugar
Salt & black pepper
🥕 Optional Add-ins
½ cup grated carrot 🥕
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
2 tbsp celery (optional crunch)
Green onions for garnish 🌿
👨🍳 Instructions
Cook macaroni
Boil until very soft (slightly softer than al dente)
Drain and rinse lightly
Cool slightly
Let pasta cool for 5–10 minutes (warm is okay for dressing absorption)
Make creamy base
Mix mayo, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper
Combine
Add macaroni + carrots + onion
Mix until fully coated
Chill ❄️
Refrigerate at least 1 hour for best flavor
Serve cold
Garnish with green onions
