Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the islands with this incredible Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad! If you’ve ever dreamed of that iconic, velvety smooth, and perfectly balanced mac salad found at every Hawaiian lunch, luau, or backyard BBQ, you’ve just hit the jackpot. This isn’t just any pasta salad; it’s a nostalgic, rich, and utterly delicious staple that perfectly complements any main dish.

What makes it so special? It’s the simple, yet powerful combination of al dente macaroni, a hint of tangy apple cider vinegar, crisp veggies, and that signature, impossibly creamy dressing. With Hellman’s mayonnaise as the star of the show, you’re guaranteed an easy, authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad that will have everyone asking for the recipe. This side dish isn’t just good; it’s a taste of paradise!

Tips & Variations for Your Best Mac Salad

• The Mayonnaise Matters: For truly authentic Macaroni Salad, using Hellman’s (or Best Foods) mayonnaise is key. Its specific tang and richness are central to the classic flavor profile.
• Don’t Skimp on Chilling: This is the most important tip! The longer it chills, the better it gets. Overnight is truly best for the macaroni to absorb all the creamy goodness and for the flavors to deepen.
• Onion Texture: For a more subtle onion flavor, shred the onion very finely. If you like a bit more bite, finely dice it. Soaking the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then draining, can also mellow its sharpness.
• Adjust Sweetness & Tang: Taste the finished salad after chilling. If you prefer it a bit sweeter, add another ½ teaspoon of sugar. If you want more tang, add another ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
• Additions & Twists (Classic Variations):
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: For a richer texture and classic deli-style flavor, add 2-3 chopped hard-boiled eggs.
  • Celery: Some recipes include ¼-½ cup finely diced celery for extra crunch.
  • Potatoes: For a super hearty version, boil and cube 1 medium potato (about 1 cup) and add it to the salad.

Ingredients Needed to Make Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

• 1 pound macaroni (elbow macaroni preferred)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 medium carrots, finely shredded
• ½ medium yellow onion, very finely diced or shredded
• 2 ½ cups Hellman’s mayonnaise (or Best Foods mayo if you’re on the West Coast)
• ¼ cup milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• Kosher salt, to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
• Ground black pepper, to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)

How to Make Macaroni Salad Hawaiian Style

Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until it’s very tender. For this recipe, you want the macaroni a little softer than al dente, as it will soak up the dressing.

Rinse & Drain: Once cooked, immediately drain the macaroni in a colander. Rinse it thoroughly with cold water until the pasta is completely cool. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, which helps prevent stickiness. Drain very well.

Vinegar Toss: Transfer the cooled, well-drained macaroni to your large mixing bowl. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the pasta and toss gently to coat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the macaroni to absorb the tangy flavor. This step is crucial for that authentic Hawaiian taste!

Add Veggies: Add the finely shredded carrots and the very finely diced or shredded onion to the macaroni. Toss gently to combine.

Make the Creamy Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the Hellman’s mayonnaise, milk, sugar, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until smooth and well combined. The dressing should be thick but pourable.

Combine & Coat: Pour the prepared dressing over the macaroni and vegetable mixture. Stir well with a spatula until all the pasta and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the creamy dressing.

Chill (Crucial Step!): Transfer the macaroni salad to an airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, but ideally overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the macaroni to fully absorb the dressing, creating that signature rich and creamy texture.

Taste & Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or a tiny bit more sugar or vinegar if desired. Serve cold.

Serving Suggestions: This creamy mac salad is the ultimate companion for BBQ chicken, grilled pork, kalua pig, hot dogs, burgers, or any summer potluck and luau food.

Enjoy this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad! It’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.