Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – Island-Style Recipe

If you’ve ever had an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch, you know that Hawaiian macaroni salad is an absolute must-have. This simple recipe combines creamy dressing, sweet pickle juice, and al dente pasta to create a perfect side dish for BBQs, summer cookouts, or any gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this classic macaroni salad right at home- no need to visit Hawaiian restaurants or street vendors to enjoy this dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

1. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the noodles. Place it on the stovetop on medium-high heat and allow the water to come to a boil.
2. Once boiling, add the noodles and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally so that the noodles don’t stick (should take about 5 minutes)
3. While the noodles cook, mix the topping in a large bowl: 2 cups mayonnaise, 2 grated carrots, 5 tbsp pickle juice, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, salt and pepper to taste.
4. Once the noodles are cooked, drain the water and add the noodles to the large bowl with the sauce mixture.
5. Stir to combine and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Chilling at least this long is necessary so that the noodle absorbs the sauce. Serve chilled.

Perfecting the Pasta Texture

Getting the right texture is crucial because overcooked pasta can become mushy, while undercooking the pasta too much will result in the dish not absorbing the dressing well, leaving the salad dry.

To keep the pasta from absorbing too much dressing, the trick is to undercook it slightly so it holds the dressing perfectly.

If your pasta is too mushy and doesn’t hold up well, cook it just past al dente so it remains soft but not mushy.

If you feel the salad turned out too dry, remember that the pasta absorbs the dressing over time. You must allow enough chilling time for the flavors to develop. After chilling, you can fix the salad if it is too dry. A quick fix is stirring in a little extra mayo dressing before serving.

On the other hand, if the salad is too watery, it could be because the vegetables released too much moisture- make sure to drain grated carrots and red onions properly (if using) before mixing.

Creating That Authentic Creamy Sauce

Many wonder how to make authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad just like the one served at Hawaiian restaurants. The secret is using Best Foods mayonnaise (or another high-quality brand) and letting the pasta absorb the flavors while still warm.

Best Foods mayonnaise is used for that traditional taste and the most authentic flavor. The key to a creamy Hawaiian mac salad is the correct mayo-to-pasta ratio- too little, and the salad turns dry; too much, and it gets overwhelming.

If your dressing lacks flavor, it can be fixed by adjusting the sweet pickle juice and sugar balance to match your taste if you feel like the dressing tastes too sweet or tangy for your preference.

If your mayonnaise separates, it’s often due to improper mixing or storage. To keep the salad creamy and fresh, combine the ingredients well and store it in an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions

This is the best cold pasta salad for summer. Perfect for Labor Day cookouts and Hawaiian potluck recipes. For a summer BBQ macaroni salad, making this dish ahead ensures the flavors blend beautifully. For those looking for authentic Hawaiian side dishes for grilling, the creamy Hawaiian pasta salad is an excellent choice, complimented by smoky meats, like smoked Hawaiian teriyaki chicken, and tropical flavors like POG juice.

Some love to add extra ingredients, such as imitation crab or hard-boiled eggs, to give it a unique twist. No matter how you customize it, it’s a staple at a Hawaiian-style picnic.

No wonder this dish is one of the best mac salads for a luau! A Hawaiian plate lunch macaroni salad is best enjoyed alongside Kalua pork, teriyaki beef, or chicken katsu. It also makes a great side dish for summer BBQs and pairs well with grilled meats, poke bowls, or garlic shrimp. For a fun twist, serve it with mango salsa, pineapple slaw, or coconut rice to add tropical flavors.

Adding Protein

Although not very traditional, you can throw in some protein; tuna or chicken are great options for a heartier dish.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration- The salad should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. If the dressing thickens too much, stir in a bit more mayonnaise mixture before serving.

Freezing- Hawaiian mac salad does not freeze well due to the mayo-based dressing, which can separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Making Ahead– If you’re preparing ahead, know that Hawaiian macaroni salad can be made beforehand, but it’s best served within 1-2 days. For the best flavor, prepare at least 4 hours ahead to let the flavors develop.

Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

The first time I tasted Hawaiian mac salad, I was hooked. It was served alongside Kalua pork on a classic plate lunch, the balance of tangy dressing and subtle flavors made every bite a delight. Unlike potato salad or other creamy pasta salads, this one had a perfect texture, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of tangy dressing that made it stand out. I knew I had to figure out how to make it at home, and after experimenting with a few recipes, I finally nailed this amazing Hawaiian macaroni salad recipe!

A Hawaiian-style macaroni salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a taste of the islands in every bite. Whether serving it at a summer meal or bringing it to a Luau party, this authentic Hawaiian mac salad recipe is guaranteed to impress. The combination of creamy dressing, tangy pickle juice, and subtle sweetness creates the perfect balance of flavors.

If you’ve never made this dish before, now is the perfect time to try it out and experience the goodness. Once you do, it might just become a go-to summer BBQ macaroni salad!