Creamy Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

Authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad is a delicious and creamy pasta salad with crunchy red and green peppers, red onion, and grated carrot wrapped up in a tangy apple cider vinegar mayonnaise. Grated hard-boiled egg adds an extra layer of richness for a side dish that makes the perfect side dish for any meal!

Hawaiian macaroni salad is a beloved dish in Hawaii. It is more than just a side dish; it’s a part of the local culture. It often appears in plate lunches, which are classic to Hawaiian cuisine.

Macaroni salad is a beloved part of a Hawaiian Lunch Plate, often paired with kalua pork or lomi-lomi salmon. It’s more than just a side dish—it’s a staple in Hawaiian restaurants, and people love it!

This delightful dish combines tender macaroni noodles with mayo, carrots, onions, and a hint of vinegar for a tangy flavor.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that transports you straight to the islands with each bite.

The origins of Hawaiian macaroni salad trace back to the late 1800s. During this period, plantation workers needed affordable meal options that were filling. A plate lunch usually included two scoops of white rice, a scoop of mac salad, some greens, and a protein.

Fun Fact: Key influences on Hawaiian macaroni salad come from various cultures, including Portuguese, Filipino, and Japanese cuisines.

How does traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad differ from traditional macaroni salad?

An authentic Hawaiian mac salad differs from traditional pasta salad because it uses overcooked elbow macaroni. Also, no self-respecting Hawaiian would make mac salad with any brand of mayo other than Hellmann’s or Best Foods mayonnaise.

Ingredients Needed

Hawaiian macaroni salad has a few simple ingredients that give it its unique, delicious taste. Each component plays an important role in the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

• Dry elbow macaroni noodles – cooked
• Tuna – drained
• Red onion – diced
• Green pepper – diced
• Red pepper – diced
• Hardboiled eggs – peeled and finely chopped
• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper – to taste

NOTE: For more recipe details, please refer to the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How To Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

With these instructions, your dish will be ready in under 30 minutes!

Step 1 – Cook The Noodles

Cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.

I recommend cooking it for an extra 1-2 minutes past al dente to ensure it’s very soft, which helps the macaroni better absorb the dressing.

Step 2 – Add The Veggies

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked hot pasta noodles, tuna, diced red onion, and diced peppers.

Step 3 – Add Hard-Boiled Eggs

I recommended either very finely dicing or grating the hard-boiled eggs using a small grater before adding them to the mixture.

This will ensure that the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the salad and provide a smoother consistency.

Step 4 – Mix In The Dressing

Combine the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Gently fold it into the pasta salad and mix until everything is well combined.

Step 5 – Refrigerate

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Pro Tip: This Hawaiian pasta salad tastes even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead of time!

Serve chilled and enjoy your Hawaiian macaroni salad!

Hawaiian Style Macaroni Salad Expert Tips

• Cook noodles a little longer – I often cook the pasta slightly longer than the package instructions suggest to give this pasta the authentic texture of Hawaiian macaroni salad.

• Drain and cool – It’s best to drain and let it cool down a bit before mixing with other ingredients.

• Give the pasta a rinse with cold water – This helps stop the cooking process and prevents the noodles from sticking together so they mix well with the creamy dressing.

• Storage – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Keep your Hawaiian macaroni salad chilled until serving.

• Make it ahead of time – this means less stress on the day of your event, and the flavors get a chance to meld together.

Serving And Pairing Ideas

This dish is the perfect recipe to pair with SO many other dishes! If you’re planning a luau or just craving a taste of the Hawaiian islands by making a Hawaiian plate lunch, you’ll find that this classic Hawaiian macaroni salad recipe pairs perfectly with: 

Proteins

• Huli Huli Chicken – the creaminess pairs perfectly with this Hawaiian BBQ chicken.
• Kalua Pork – The smokiness of the pork pairs wonderfully with the salad.
• Shrimp Skewers
• Teriyaki Chicken – The sweet and savory sauce is a great match.
• Easy Bang Bang Salmon
• Grilled Fish – Light and fresh, it balances the richness of the salad.
• Chicken Kabobs
• Chicken Katsu
• Blackened Catfish

Tropical Fruits

• Pineapple Slices – Juicy and sweet, adding a refreshing contrast.
• Mango Salsa – A blend of mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime.
• Papaya Salad – Lightly dressed with lime juice and chili flakes.

Other Side Dishes

• Lomi Lomi Salmon – A refreshing salmon salad with tomatoes and onions.
• Sweet Potato – Roasted or mashed, adding a sweet touch.
• Coconut Rice – Creamy and fragrant, perfect for soaking up extra dressing.

Vegetables

• Grilled Asparagus
• Air Fryer Carrot Fries
• Cucumber Salad
• Steamed Broccoli

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Variations To Try

When making Hawaiian macaroni salad, there are several ways to tweak this simple recipe to better suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some creative options for dressing, add-ins, and healthier substitution ideas for this great side dish.

Alternative Dressings

• Sweet – Mixing a tablespoon or two of brown sugar into the dressing makes it a tad sweet.
• Creamy – For extra creaminess, consider using avocado or a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise.

Add-in Ideas

• Pineapple – Adds a sweet, juicy element.
• Ham – Provides a bit of protein and can make the salad more filling.
• Peas – Frozen peas can add a pop of color and a slight sweetness.
• Imitation Crab – Swap out the tuna for this protein for a different flavor.
• Potato – Boiled and diced potatoes can make the salad a bit heartier.
• Sweet onion – swap out the red onion for the subtle flavors of a yellow onion or sweet onion
• Celery – If you love crunch, add some diced celery.
• Green onion – Adds a great mild flavor.

Health-Conscious Options For Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

• Whole Grain Pasta – Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
• Low-fat Dressings – Substitute regular mayonnaise with low-fat versions or use Greek yogurt.
• Vegetables – Increase the amount of veggies like shredded carrots, diced celery, or peas to boost nutritional content.

More Amazing Recipes To Try!

• Crispy Garlic Parm Accordion Potatoes (TikTok Viral Recipe)
• Apple Cranberry Coleslaw (Light, Creamy + Healthy)
• Easy Creamy Grape Salad Recipe With Pecans
• Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
• Loaded Cowboy Pasta Salad (Cowboy Caviar Recipe)

Pin For Later!