This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the real deal. A no-frills, creamy mac salad that is the perfect side dish for any BBQ or Luau!
Authentic Hawaiian Mac Salad
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is one of my biggest guilty pleasures. I lived in Hawaii a little over 10 years ago and became very familiar with true, authentic Hawaiian “Mac Salad”. I literally lived across the street from an L&L Hawaiian BBQ restaurant and found myself wandering over there way more often than I should have for their delicious plate lunch – always with mac salad and rice on the side (I love getting a little rice and mac salad together in one bite, oh so good).
Mac salad when you can’t be in Hawaii
This past weekend I had a flashback to my Hawaii days when we ordered food from Honolulu Grill in St. George, UT. Everything we had there was delicious and seriously the most authentic Hawaiian food I have had since leaving Hawaii. The macaroni salad, especially, hit home and suddenly made me wonder why we haven’t gotten a good Hawaiian mac salad recipe here on Favorite Family Recipes yet!
Keep it simple
Authentic Hawaiian Mac Salad is ridiculously simple. It is a no-frills mac salad yet, it is so creamy and flavorful. I had a friend in Hawaii who was also a caterer there. He explained to me long ago that true Hawaiian macaroni salad is pretty much just macaroni, carrot, mayonnaise and salt and pepper. There are a few other ingredients you can add like celery, extra onion, potatoes, fresh crab, or relish, but the basic recipe is my favorite. Once you start getting into adding ham or pineapple you are getting way off course. Pineapple and ham have no business being in a Hawaiian mac salad. EVER.
Healthy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This recipe may seem a little mayo-heavy, it’s true. That is what makes it so stinking good. If you are really concerned about the mayo-ness you can substitute Greek yogurt in whatever amounts you would like (i.e. half mayo, half Greek yogurt). You will get a likeness of mac salad but I am telling you, it won’t be quite the same. In Hawaii it’s all about the mayo. As far as the BRAND of mayo, it has got to be Best Foods. Period. No other mayo will taste right.
How to make Hawaiian Mac Salad ahead of time
If you make this ahead of time and it seems a little dried out, add some mayo mixed with a little milk until you get the right consistency back. Fold it in with a large rubber spatula so you don’t tear the macaroni noodles.
If you love this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, you have got to try these other great side dishes:
- Traditional Macaroni Salad: This is one of our favorite macaroni salads for potlucks and BBQs. A traditional mac salad with lots of great mix-ins!
- Traditional Potato Salad: Hands-down the best potato salad. We do not have family BBQs without it. It is always a must!
- Pani Popo (Samoan Coconut Rolls): Looking for another island-style side dish? You will LOVE these coconut rolls! One of my favorite sweet treats from Hawaii.
- Need more side-dish ideas? Check out ALL of our side dishes HERE.
How to Make an Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound macaroni
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup onion, shredded (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups Mayonnaise Best Foods or Hellman's mayonnaise (no substitutes!)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and place macaroni in a large bowl (I like to use a tupperware bowl with a lid so I can easily refrigerate later).
- While macaroni is still hot, sprinkle on vinegar and add carrot and onion. Toss together until well combined. Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes.
- In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together mayo, milk, and sugar.
- Fold mayo mixture into the macaroni until all the noodles are evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (best if overnight). Gently stir before serving adding a little more milk if needed, no more than a tablespoon or two.
Equipment
- Stove Top
- Large Sauce Pan
Danielle Royalegacy says
This is almost the exact way I make my macaroni salad except I add some chopped celery. I think your recipe is great!
Erica says
Thank you! Celery is a great addition 🙂
Dee says
No celery
JayJay says
Yes celery
Kiwano says
No celery
Akmed the Dead Terrorist says
You people do know that this is what makes the world go around. To celery or not to celery. But it really doesn’t matter, if you like it, put it in, if not, leave it out. But don’t start a war over it.
Keli says
I think the Hawaiian BBQ place we go to puts tuna in theirs. Is that unheard of? Also, I am looking forward to trying this recipe ????
Erica says
No, it isn’t unheard of.. it just isn’t as “authentic” 🙂
Liz says
Tuna is very authentic. I have family in Hawaii and they put tuna in theirs!
Echo says
Good to know – I love tuna! It would be delicious in this salad.
Curtis says
Yup, a little tuna is going to give you that umami.
Meg Amor says
Aloha,
I always put tuna in mine too when I make it at home. Matsu’s on the Big Island have my favorite mac salad. And they always have tuna in theirs but it’s good without too. 🙂
Adonna says
Can you substitute milk with almond milk? I will try this for my mom’s Luau party
Erica says
Yes, you probably could. It probably won’t be as creamy but it should be an ok substitute. Hope this helps!
Kaitlin says
after being born and raised in Oahu and then moving to Kauai… I realize that Mac Salad also may vary by island. Here they use spaghetti noodles (sometimes a mix of both elbow and spaghetti) and some places add tuna…
Denise Kaleiki says
Love the spaghetti noodles!,👍
Chris Gallegos says
well I suggest that you try a little sore you on top of that mac salad he will find it that is truly a beautiful fusion of flavor that comes traditional Hawaiian back salad I hope you like it
Erica Walker says
Thanks Chris – I’m guessing you meant Shoyu? (autocorrect gets me all the time too) I will have to try that! I like the idea of trying a little teriyaki sauce over the top too. Bet you can’t go wrong with either!
KimberlyHammond says
Why is this Hawaiian?
Kehau says
If you add celery, it’s no longer Hawaiian. We hate that crap.
Erica Walker says
LOL, I do prefer mac salad in its purest form. I’m with you there. Celery is a common addition on the mainland though and a lot of people like it. haha I hear ya though, it definitely makes it less “Hawaiian”.
Talia Moore says
This is a great base for the Hawaiian salad I perfected to my families taste after about the third try. I use the recipe above only I give the noodles a quick rinse first then add about 3 tablespoons of the vinegar and let them finish cooling. I leave the milk out of the mixture because it seams to curdle the sauce after refrigeratorating. I add a bit more sugar than the recipe calls and the key is to add 1-2 tablespoons of jack Daniels honey Dijon mustard. Generously add salt and pepper (expectially pepper) then add the noodles to the mixture a bit at a time to make sure you have a good amount of sauce to noodles. You want the recipe to be really creamy! I serve just right after making at room temperature or refrigeratorate. Enjoy!
Alexandra says
Yum thank you!
JimP says
Brok da mout!
Cynthia Y says
I just made this tonight and my husband and i LOVED it!!!! I made it exactly as was stated in the recipe.
Thank you sooooo much for sharing this recipe!????
Vanessa says
I MADE THE SALAD SATURDAY MT 1ST TIME IT WAS EASY AN AWESOME I WOULD LIKE 2 PUT PINEAPPLE OR PEACHES MAYBE MANGO IN IT BUT TUNA DO SOUND GOOD WHAT U THINK
Chris says
I always do the simple way as mentioned in the narrative with mayo, S&P, carrot, tiny bits of pineapple and I add a little garlic powder… why the milk and apple cider though?? I never knew. So awesome.
Erica Walker says
The vinegar brings out the flavor of the mayo and the milk makes it nice and smooth. Hope this helps!
Liz says
Yum – thank you. Have a great day
Heather Chivilli says
Made this and it’s delicious. But for some reason the mayo curdled. Should I have let the macaroni cool longer? Somewhere I read that it might have been the vinegar. Please let me know what I did wrong. Thanks!
Erica says
Did you use Best Foods mayo? It is supposed to cool to about room temp after tossing it in vinegar. When did you add the mayo?
Heather Chivilli says
Yes and yes but maybe it wasn’t cool enough! I’m going to try again this week. ????
michael says
Did you ever figure out why this happened? Same thing happened to me. Was thinking the same as you that it has to be something with the temp of the noodles when mayo mix was added or Tuesday vinegar. I used the raw organic type vinegar. Not sure of that matters.
Manuela says
I mix the vinigar in the mayo then add to noodle, but authentic Hawaiian has coconut and pineapple in it, don’t know why they are saying this Mac salad is Hawaiian, it’s just a typical Mac salad recipe
Erica says
This is the mac salad that they serve all over the place in Hawaii. I can’t say I have ever had a mac salad in Hawaii with either coconut or pineapple in it. But if that is how you like it, by all means, add it 🙂
Amy Tyson says
Same
Kauka says
Go to any Hawaiian restaurant and they will likely serve this near exact recipe as a side with nearly all their main course dishes. (Hawaiian and Hawaiian restaurant owner) thanks
Robyn says
I lived in Hawaii twice, 4 times each for a total of 8 years and I am soooooo happy and grateful that you have posted this recipe!!!! It is EXACTLY like the side on the plate lunches that I had all over Oahu! Oh my, how I have missed this. It is just as addictively delicious now as it was then. I miss Hawaii! Thank you for this taste of Aloha!! My oldest daughter was born there – she’ll be stoked!
Alicia says
Because it’s what you would typically get on a plate in Hawaii. They consume a lot of pork, spam, rice and macaroni salad. I ate this every time I was in Hawaii and now I make it for all my parties!
Makalii says
I was born and raised on Oahu and lived in Waianae. Never have I ever had macaroni salad with pineapple or coconut. This is the basic recipe, variations for it include either tuna or potato but never ever coconut or pineapple.
Esther jay says
Have u ever used leftover kahlua pig in the mac salad?? My son insists there’s a island salad made with it. Yes or no?
Makalii says
I was born and raised on the Waianae side of Oahu and have been to the other islands….NEVER HAVE I EVER HAD MACARONI SALAD WITH COCONUT AND PINEAPPLE IN IT. That is NOT authentic and it has NO BUSINESS BEING IN MACARONI SALAD. This is the basic macaroni salad, other local variations are adding Tuna for a Tuna Mac OR Potato for a Potato Mac salad.
Bonnie says
Hello Waianae friends !! And thank God for LL every darn day!! 1st place I go when I go home. And you are also very correct to say NO PINEAPPLE OR COCONUT.. Miss home and LL …..
Kaitlin says
LOL so true…
Anapuni808 says
NO, NEVER! Why do folks think if you add pineapple – that somehow makes it Hawaiian? You’re right, macaroni salad is not just served in Hawaii – it’s all over. Having eaten “Hawaii style” Mac salad for almost 40 years (!), I State definitely THIS recipe is totally our own style Mac Salad!! ????????
Leilani Makaila says
I am Hawaiian n this isn’t Hawaiian food. Our language such as Hawaiian ALOHA n pokies all about attraction for your attention to either review or buy. This is what we like to eat here in Hawai’i. But not close to Hawaiian food.
Favorite Family Recipes says
Thank you for sharing. I will keep this in mind for future recipes!
Kahai says
I Hawaiian and we don’t put pineapple or coconut in our Mac salad
808islandgirl says
For all of you who were not born and raised in Hawaii, please don’t say you know what is real local Hawaii Marconi salad. We don’t put pineapple or coconut in it!!!! Im making it tonight and will comment back to let everyone know if this is truly the way it’s made “back home.”
Erica says
Thank you so much for you comment! What did you think? I am interested to hear if we get a TRUE local’s stamp of approval! 😀
Tracy says
Too funny…. I to am from Hawaii born and raised and have never made or ate mac salad that had pineapple or coconut in it. Just because a Hawaiian Pizza has pineapples on it, doesn’t mean that’s how we eat that too. I’m sure no one from Hawaii even created that. Salad with fruit in it is called a fruit salad =)
Echo says
Agreed!
Konia says
Also agree, no fruit. We always added tuna, carrots, onions, both shredded. I still make it the way I was raised. Making Korean Kalbi tonight the ono mac salad, and gotta have my sitcky rice. Also make my own Kim Chee. You can take the girl out of the Islands but you can’t take the Islands out of the girl. You have to use Best Foods mayo and Aloha shoyu in this mac salad. Can’t wait for dinner tomorrow !!!
Erica says
Yum.. I want to come to your house for dinner tomorrow! That all sounds AMAZING!
ari-free says
Filipino mac salad adds those things I think
Rita Fell says
looks like something I want to make with coconut rice and Kalua pig dish. Thank you,
Echo says
Yum! I would love your coconut rice and Kalua pig recipes!
Sandy U says
I, too, lived in Hawaii and ate many plate lunches. My favorite part was always the macaroni salad. My attempts to copy it over the years never lived up to the original. Now I know why – not enough mayonnaise! And I agree with you, it must be Best Foods! Thanks so much for the recipe.
Clo says
Add can of water-drained tuna to recipe! Yummy!! So local…
Norma says
Thank you, now I don’t have to drive across town to the local L&L for their Macaroni Salad….yum
Nursesabbath says
Exactly! The nearest L&L or Hawiian bbq place to us is almost 30 miles away. I followed the recipe almost to a T (I used regular table salt and no pepper). It chilling in the fridge now. I really hope it comes out great for tomorrow night. Thx
Katie says
Maybe it’s only on the Big Island but we always use about half mac and half potatoes.
Mahalo
Erica says
Ooh that sounds delicious! Haven’t ever had it with potatoes before, yum! Thanks for sharing!
Dani Girl S says
Maui also😉
Norma-Homesick In Wisconsin :( says
18yrs away from HOME….sure miss the food 🙁 Thank you for bringing a little of home to my home away from the islands! I will definitely be making this really soon!!
Erica says
I hear ya!!!! The food there is the BEST!!!
Jessica says
Do you have a recipe for the pork and cabbage you have pictured beside the mac? It looks so delicious , I can already taste it!
Erica says
We don’t have the recipe on the site yet… but you have inspired me to get it on! I will put it on my to-do list. It is such an easy recipe. Basically it is just a pork roast cooked with some liquid smoke in a crock pot. 🙂
John says
I use 8lbs of pork butt ( really the shoulder)
1 bottle of liquid smoke
1/4 cup or less of salt.
I got this from someone who had a restaurant in Hawaii.
Thank you for this Mac salad recipe. I was stationed there 20 yes ago and haven’t been able to copy the Mac salad yet
John says
Cooked in the crock pot until its falling apart.
Joanna says
What size bottle of liquid smoke do you use? 🙂
Wendy says
Don’t use the who bottle just a little liquid smoke and Hawaiian Salt or Kosher!
Echo says
Thanks for the tip, Wendy! Will do!
Phil says
If you can find NOH Kalua Pig salt or red and black hawaiian rock salt all you need is about 3 tbsp of salt to a 5lb pork butt. Sprinkle over the butt and if you can get them wrap it in ti or banana leaves. If not, corn husk will work too.
Cook the whole thing in the crock pot for about 8 hours. Shred the meat separately from any juice and then taste and add juice as desired. If you shred it in the juice it can too salty for some.
We make this at least once a month, primarily for pizza topping followed the next day by Kalua pork sandwiches on onion rolls.
Erica says
Thank you so much for your comment, that sounds delicious!!!! Thank you for sharing!
Lance says
Haole boy here but work with old time local. Made your recipe and had him try it to see how I did. His only recommendation was celery (optional) and white pepper, not black pepper. Made some tonight for Christmas lunch tomorrow. Mmmmmmm!
Erica says
Great idea using white pepper! Glad you (and your co-worker) liked it!!!
Ashley says
Do you think a few slices of a hard boiled egg would taste good in this? I usually add some to my normal macaroni salad but was not sure if it would fit well in this. Thx!
Erica says
It’s not “traditional” but I am sure it would taste just fine with hard boiled egg!
Chery says
I always put hard boiled eggs (and celery) in Macaroni salad. But I’ve ever made the Hawaiian version. I’ve read all the comments and never heard anyone mention eggs in the Hawaiian Mac. So it doesn’t seem traditional for that.
Mary says
I’m also local born and raised from Oahu and we’ve always added boiled eggs to our mac salad. Eggs, tuna, carrots, and some with onions. It is not traditional but. It could be why many friends would comment on how good my Grandma’s mac salad was! 😉😊
Mary says
Forgot to mention potatoes too!
Linda says
Just came back from a 3 Island tour and had falling in love with the Mac Salad, so had to look it up, can’t wait to try it! Out of all the food I ate there it was the best!
Erica says
Let me know how you like it! Every time I make it, it’s like a trip back to the islands 🙂
shauna says
How many do you think this serves?
Erica says
I would say 8-10 servings when served as a side-dish
Steve says
I will be making the Mac salad for a fundraiser Luau family dance very soon and was wondering about how to add potatoes? Also, is celery a good addition. I would like to see if there are any great recipes for smoking pork butt the Hawaiian way? If so, please share. We are also doing 40lbs of pork butt. Thank you.
Emily says
You should try our Kalua pork recipe. It’s perfect! If you are doing potatoes I would probably do roasted potatoes. We have a really good recipe for that too.
tony says
not roasted but boiled potatoes…not too soft like for mashed, have to have some body to the potatoes and serve in chunks about 3/4 inch by 3/4 inch or so…
Wendy says
yup russet potatoes are the best!
Shelly says
Thank you! I couldn’t ever figure out why mine would just absorb all the mayo. It has to be the vinegar bath. Came out perfect!
Kara Miller says
Honolulu grill just opened down the street from me in Cedar City! I get the Kalua pork with macaroni salad EVERY time! (The sauce over the rice is a must.) Thanks for sharing, can’t wait to try it.
Erica says
Honolulu grill opened in Cedar City??? That is so awesome!!!! Will definitely go there next time I am in Cedar!
Ashley says
Do you have any idea what they use in their teriyaki sauce??? That’s my favorite restaurant!
Erica says
Hi Ashely… I don’t know what is in their teriyaki sauce. I will have to have to go there again and see if I can figure it out! Thanks for the suggestion!
Veronica says
I love the macaroni salad at L & L. Thankfully my daughter makes a pretty good rendition of it. Definitely use the Hellman’s/Best Foods (Kirkland’s is good too,) makes a HUGE difference. I haven’t tried your recipe, but I aim to next time we make Katsu.
EvaMarie says
Erica when you visit Las Vegas (approx 77 miles from St George) visit L & L on Maryland and Flamingo…Yummy! ????
Yes…this salad tasted like Zippy’s. ????
MR says
Saint George is more like around 120 miles from Vegas EvaMarie. Since I’ve moved away I miss Honolulu Grill and their mac salad, I hope this recipe is as good as theirs, if it is, I’ll be making it often. Thanks.
Angel says
My mom is from the Philippines and she makes a macaroni salad similar to this. She adds canned pineapples and raisins, hate the raisins but I can’t eat the salad without the pineapples! So much yum!
Lyne says
The key to good Hawaiian Mac salad is to salt the water well when cooking the mac. I haven’t tried adding vinegar but this recipe otherwise looks authentic.
Tonya Lucero says
Man, egg is traditional! We put egg in the Mac salad. You have to use a cheese grater and shred the eggs up. I use at least 6 hard boiled eggs in a recipe. Only best foods mayo and salt the water before cooking the macaroni. My husband is born and raised on the north shore. Hawaiian-Filipino….eggs are always in Mac salad.
Emily Walker says
I love that you grate the eggs in with a cheese grater! And I completely agree on the Best Foods Mayo, that is the only Mayo I will use!
stephanie says
I want to make this for a large party so I’m sure i need to up the ingredients. I was wondering, what is the serving size for your ingredients here? thank you!
Erica says
It would probably serve 10-12 in a party setting like that
Cole says
Just got done making this for a family gathering. My husband can’t keep sneaking forkfuls out of the bowl!!
Echo says
Haha! The true test of a recipe! I’m so glad he likes it!
LESLIE says
Just made this! Couldn’t wait for it to be refrigerated and it still taste delicious! Does flavor enhance upon refrigeration or can it also be served @ room temperature? No Best foods where I’m from, so Hellmans did the trick! Awesome salad, thanks for sharing!
Erica says
OH good, Hellman’s is the same as Best Foods so you made the right choice 😉 It can be served at room temp or refrigerated, just whatever your personal preference is. To store, though, you will want to refrigerate.
Kenzie says
THANK YOU THANK YOU for this recipe! 🙂 I’ve been so homesick for good Hawaiian food and it was exactly the right taste I was looking for. It turned out great and then I put it in the fridge to chill and about a half hour later I took it out to sneak a few more bites (so addicting) and the mayo sauce seemed to have been all absorbed. It was still good but there wasn’t much sauce so it was just like cooked buttery noodles. I used the 2 tablespoons of vinegar. What could have gone wrong? Are there any other tricks to keep the creamy consistency like it was at first and not have the mayo sauce absorb?
Erica says
hmmm… I don’t know. You could try waiting until the noodles are completely cool before adding the mayo mixture. I think if you do that it probably won’t absorb as much as it is cooling. I hope this helps!
Talia says
Rinse your noodles first with cool water and leave the milk out. 🙂
Wendy Hampton says
My 2 cents. I seem to notice that different pasta brands react differently to the sauce. Some brands seem to absorb the mayo faster than others. Not sure why. I’ve using DeCecco lately and it seems to work have the sauce as a coating. Perhaps it is the type of flour they use to make the pasta. I so love this salad in a plate lunch. To die for. thank you so much for sharing.
Favorite Family Recipes says
Thanks so much for the info! We have definitely noticed different brands can taste MUCH different. I have never tried DeCecco before. Will definitely try it next. Thanks!
Cat Johnson says
I have made this recipe twice in a month….family loves it! They are requesting it again for our Memorial Day cookout….thank you!
Erica says
Great idea! So glad you liked it!
Charlene says
Do you know if the recipe will work with Best Foods Light Mayo?
Erica says
It will work but with it being “light” it probably won’t taste quite as good 😉 I have used the Olive Oil mayo and that actually tastes really good
Ashlee Wright says
OMG!!! This is soo good!! I moved to northern Utah from St.George. We used to live right down the street from the Honolulu Grill, and I crave the Honolulu Grill all the time! This hit the spot! Thank you so much for posting!
Erica says
So happy that you liked it! I am totally with you– I am always craving Honolulu grill MmmmmMMMmmm Isn’t Hawaiian food the best?!
MIA MACKINNON says
I am going to make this today. I hated Mac salad until I had my first plate lunch! I think some huli huli chicken and rice will be a nice compliment.
Erica says
Oooh Huli Huli chicken will be coming soon to the blog, too! Keep an eye out for it 😉 You’ve got good taste 😀
U says
My mom always put tuna in our Mac salad. I like tuna, crab and shrimp!!
And you are right pineapple has NO BUSINESS in Mac salad. Also, just because it has pineapple in it does not make food Hawaiian????
Erica says
haha yes everything in Hawaii definitely does not have pineapple in it, especially mac salad! — I like the idea of crab.. definitely will try that one!
Betty Townsend says
First off…let me say there is no such thing as authentic “Hawaiian” macaroni salad. It would more appropriately be called “Island Style” macaroni salad. The authentic method would be adding potatoes and macaroni to the salad, Best Foods mayonnaise, salt & pepper, shredded carrots, chopped yellow onion, celery, peas and sometimes can tuna. Local families have been variations…all of them good. It is incorrect to say that something is “Hawaiian” when it is not. Traditional Hawaiian food is poi, fish, kalua pig to name a few. Because of so many different ethnic groups living in the Hawaiian Islands, the different foods have become a part of the Island of eating. It is major concern of mine for people to think because something is associated with the Hawaiian Islands, especially food, it much be Hawaiian. Unfortunately, that is not so. Your recipe looks wonderful and I’m sure tastes fantastic. I apologize in advance if my comment upsets you, that is not my intention…just a little education, if you will.
Echo says
Thank you for your comment, Betty. The comment doesn’t upset us at all. Erica lived in Hawaii and this salad recipe was made by many of the families that lived there – one family that had a catering business and called this “Hawaiian Mac Salad.” It’s always good to have a different perspective and more information. One thing I know for sure – the food in Hawaii is amazing. Kalua Pig is one of my favorites.
Bill Volckening says
Just got back from Oahu, da best grinds, local style. Recipe is great. Today I made kalua pua’a in da oven, also cabbage slaw with grated carrots, onion, and creamy sriracha sesame dressing like Foodland’s spicy Ahi Poke dressing. Mac salad didn’t miss a beat, brah! Onolicious! Broke da mouth!
Echo says
Thanks Bill! Lucky you! I would love to be in Oahu right now!
kazy says
This was an amazing macaroni salad. The flavors came together wonderfully overnight. I can’t emphasize more how important it is to refrigerate this overnight. I tasted right after it was cooked and it wasn’t all that impressive but boy did those flavors come together overnight. It was like eating 2 completely different salads. Once again I can’t say enough about this. So flavorful. Thanks, Erica. Such a tasty recipe.
Echo says
Thank you for your comment Kazy! We are so happy you liked the salad!
Dina says
This is a great recipe. I have made it many times and even added celery and imitation crab meat. So good. This is in my opinion a no fail dish to make for any potluck situation as well. I love it, thank you.
Erica says
So glad you like it! It is definitely a favorite of mine <3.. I agree.. totally no-fail!
Kiliki says
Would the instructions change for gluten free noodles. TIA
Erica says
Nope, you would just prepare the noodles as directed on the box. 🙂 Hope this helps!
Steven Gain says
I would say real Hawaiian Mac salad is made with Kewpie Mayo. It’s a Japanese mayo that is much more creamier than BestFoods. Basically, you are trying to reproduce the taste of Kewpie by adding the cider vinegar and milk. Also, we throw in a tablespoon of tuna to give it a subtle seafood kick. This is much more authentic of what you’ll find in Hawaiian islands not the Americanized version at L&L.
Echo says
Thank you, Steven. Can you find Kewpie Mayo anywhere other than Hawaii or Japan?
Jamie Johnson says
Omg… I loved L&L in St George, I live in cedar and travel there just for L&L I was so sad when they closed… I was just looking h for recipes via I love the macaroni salad and came across this!!! Do excited to try it tonight! Thanks
Emily says
I hate when good places close. Let us know how you like it!
Aoichan says
Ok, I’m not from Hawaii, but my aunt is, born and raised, and her family runs a pretty popular Hawaiian takeout joint in California(I grew up in LA). They won’t give me their mac salad recipe(it’s a restaurant thing), and ever since moving to Canada, I crave Hawaiian Mac salad like crazy!!! So thank you!! I make this once a month, and even my macaroni salad hating Canadian husband gobbles this up. I usually have to kick him out of the kitchen. I do notice this salad tastes better the next day. And please don’t put pineapple or coconut in it, that’s um…an abomination. Oh, and I have to eat my mac salad with a scoop of calrose rice. Thank you again.
Emily says
You are welcome! I’m so glad you like it, I will have to try the calrose rice!
Aoichan says
Thanks! Btw, Im Japanese, and I don’t know if I can agree about Kewpie mayonnaise. That would turn the salad into a Japanese macaroni salad(which is fantastic, but not the same). In Japan, we make a spaghetti salad using Kewpie, and if you’re ever bored, do look this recipe up! It’s delicious! On the island though, people love their Best Foods Mayo, and never seen anyone else use Kewpie for Hawaiian mac salad. Also, calrose rice is simply the name of the type of rice which a Hawaiian plate lunch is served with. It’s the fluffy, sticky rice, which I love!
Erica says
So glad you (and your mac-hating husband) like this recipe! It is always me go-to when I am craving REAL Hawaiian food. I could not agree more about pineapple and coconut being an abomination haha love them on their own.. but they have no business being in mac salad lol
Aoichan says
I agree! I love pineapple and coconut (I can eat my weight in pineapple coconut cake!!) but I like my Hawaiian mac salad traditional.
Jan Hay says
My mother always mixed equal amount of boiled potatoes cut into cubes with the macaroni and also added a can of peas and carrots and hot dog relish and chopped up boiled egg. There were 8 of us kids so perhaps this was her way of making it go far enough to feed all of us.
Emily says
That sounds good! Like a mix between macaroni and potato salad.
Carissa says
Yum! We just got back from a vacation on Oahu and I’m craving some Mac Salad! I can’t wait to make this and take us back to our beautiful vacation once again. Thank you!
Erica says
You are very welcome! Hope you like it! 😀
Sandy says
Erica
I have made this Hawaiian dish with macaroni and potatoes and everyone seems to love it that way. Everyone wants the recipe Whenever I make it for them.
Angie Ward says
I make this recipe all the time now. My family loves it! I always add celery, green onions, and black olives. So good! Thanks for this great recipe!
Carrie says
I made this last week–omg–so good!!! The only problem I had was it was kind of bland with only the two TBS vinegar and sugar…so I added more and that did the trick. I will say that this recipe makes a TRUCKLOAD of mac salad–but trust me, it will get eaten. 🙂
Erica says
Great idea adding more vinegar and sugar to spruce up the flavor! So glad you liked this recipe 😀
Helen Keen says
O?ne recipe I saw included ham. Has any one ever tried it this way
Nancy Au says
Absolutely delicious! Only change I made was the addition of a cup of chopped celery. Tasted exactly as I remembered it from Maui! And this is the exact way they make it at Mama’s Hawaiian BBQ in Sahuarita AZ. Thanks for the recipe. I’ll be making this often.
Favorite Family Recipes says
So glad you liked it! Haven’t eaten at Mama’s Hawaiian before but definitely want to try it now because if they can get the mac salad right, usually the rest falls in to place 😉
Emilee says
How many servings does this recipe make? Hoping to make it this weekend for around 12 people.
Favorite Family Recipes says
12 people should be about right, especially if you have a bunch of other food to go with it. It makes a pretty big batch. Hope this helps!
Joe says
Great recipe. I did add some green onion and a ton of sriracha to the mix before adding it to the macaroni. Great flavors and spice.
Favorite Family Recipes says
Love the idea of using Sriracha.. have never tried that before but it sounds delicious!
momofabj says
This is delicious, I just made it and even without the refrigeration it’s delicious! I made the Hawaiian chicken last night , my son loved it. Thanks for 2 great recipes.
Kathy says
L & l does not put apple cider in their salad. I have their cookbook.
Debbie says
Could you please let me know what flavor of liquid smoke you used? I have mesquite and hickory. Will be making this for a cub scout blue and gold banquet. Thank you.
Favorite Family Recipes says
haha I Just went and checked on my bottle to see what flavor it was. The one I use is “Hickory”. Hope this helps!
debbie says
Thank you
Kelly Campbell says
My husband was born and raised in Hawaii, along with all of his family. He makes Kalua pork with liquid smoke in mesquite. The kiawe wood used in Hawaii is a variety of mesquite. You will get a better flavor that is more authentic when you cannot use real kiawe wood.
Debbie says
I’m sorry I meant for the kalua pork not the macaroni salad.
If you know about the pork I would appreciate that information. What flavor of liquid smoke? Thanks.
Felicia says
My son is allergic to dairy. Would this be weird if I tried with almond milk instead of reg milk?
Emily Walker says
I haven’t tried it but I don’t see why not! Let us know how it turns out!
Taffy says
My Tutu taught me how to make this Hawaii salad when I was a little girl and I have never strayed from her recipe, which by the way is your recipe. Adding celery or tuna is great but it’s not the same when you eat the salad on the same plate with rice and you get a bite of salad and rice together…Oh my goodness…
I’ve been living in KCMO for the last 32 years and have never let the Haole in me change this recipe and every time I serve it to my guests they want the recipe. I tell them “don’t change it”…lol
I’m serving it tomorrow for my son & daughter in laws baby shower…I can’t wait for the reactions.
Favorite Family Recipes says
Thank you so much for sharing your comment with us! I agree, this recipe should not be changed! lol It is prefect as-is 😀 Best of luck with the baby shower! Let us know how it goes!
Alice says
Thanks for sharing this recipe, it was delicious! I made this for a pot luck and it was a hit! The portion size was pretty big and I had a fair amount leftovers that I packed for lunch. Do you know how many calories would be in a serving size? Or per cup of the mac salad?
Favorite Family Recipes says
We don’t have a calorie calculator on our site but if you plug the recipe in a nutritional calculator online you should be able to find it pretty easily. Hope this helps! Glad this was such a hit for you!
Nicole says
I’m Hawaiian. Let me just tell you that “authentic” Hawaiian Mac salad doesn’t have vinegar in it. You can call this Hawaiian if you wish, but it’s anything but authentic.
Favorite Family Recipes says
Hi Nicole- The vinegar isn’t added for taste, it is actually a chef’s technique to make the noodles more absorbent and hold the flavors better. Many Hawaiian restaurants (including the one I worked at) use this technique but if you would like to leave it out, you can!
ryvir says
I broke the rule and substituted kewpie mayo for the Best Foods.
I will fight anyone IRL who tries to get me to do otherwise.
Thank you. Recipe was very good!
Favorite Family Recipes says
Kewpie mayo? Can’t say that I have heard of it but I am glad it worked out and was a good substitute!
Garrison Gunter says
from a 4th generation portagee from TBI
We’ve made this recipe from your site 3 times now- the first time I mixed everything minus the noodles and it was still great- second time I paid attention better to your instructions and this last time I used a 1/2 c less mayo which I like best so far but its only been a day.
As for kalua pig smoke? since I saw that comment- Keave wood is Mesquite so that is the dominant smoking wood and charcoal in Hawaii. A cut up banana stump is added into the pit to keep moisture levels up and will end up burning and creating a sweet smoke. On the mainland I use Mesquite wood chips and apple wood chips on a big green egg and I wrap a shoulder or ham cut in multiple layers of Goya Banana leaves (Freezer section). The leaves add a layer of protection and flavor that mimics the Ti leaves used when the traditional bluestone lined pit is used (Imu).
Favorite Family Recipes says
Hi Garrison! Thanks so much for the 5-stars and also for the great comment! Thanks for all your great tips, too!
Erin Payne says
I’ve made this twice in the last 2 weeks for parties. Both times, everyone has said how much they LOVED it! After a few days, I added chopped Olives and celery, just to change it up a bit, but your recipe is perfect and delicious as is! And I do agree, it seems very authentic, in fact, I would compare this to the local Hawaiian restaurants in my area; it’s nice to be able to make a huge batch of this for the same cost as a small container at a restaurant! THANK YOU for posting this recipe!!!
Erin Payne says
I’ve made this twice in the last 2 weeks for parties. Both times, everyone has said how much they LOVED it! After a few days, I added chopped Olives and celery, just to change it up a bit, but your recipe is perfect and delicious as is! And I do agree, it seems very authentic, in fact, I would compare this to the local Hawaiian restaurants in my area; it’s nice to be able to make a huge batch of this for the same cost as a small container at a restaurant! THANK YOU for posting this 5-star recipe!
Favorite Family Recipes says
Wow Erin, thank you so much for the 5-stars and for the SUPER nice comment! I agree, it’s nice to make a big batch for the same price as a small container. Especially when it’s so EASY to make 🙂
Sy freitas says
I have been researching a great recipe for Hawaiian style Mac salad for years! This is by far the best recipe! So glad I came across this! Makes perfect sense. Thanks for posting!!
Favorite Family Recipes says
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you like it!
Sabastian Freitas says
To rinse or not to rinse? I’ve heard different opinions on rinsing your noodles after boiling. What’s your take??
Favorite Family Recipes says
I like to rinse my pasta when I’m using it for cold pasta salads. It stops the pasta from clumping together in the salad – plus it helps it cool faster!
Sabastian Freitas says
That’s what I thought! Thank you!
Jean says
I recall enjoying a weekend picnic either with my family or with a huge group in Hawaii and Mac Salad was always offered. Your recipe looks like how I remembered. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Bud Kine says
One thing that I noticed that no one mentioned here is that on every table in every restaurant in Hawaii is Tabasco sauce. This salad is great with some Tabasco sprinkled on top, if you like that kind of thing.
Favorite Family Recipes says
YUM! I like the idea of adding a little Tabasco to the top. Sounds delicious!
Marty from Arizona says
Erica: I am amazed at the number and variety of replies! This is what I’ve been looking for, as our local Hawaiian restaurant serves the best macaroni salad! But my wife doesn’t like this salad. What can I do about that? (I’m betting you have an answer!)
Favorite Family Recipes says
Marty- haha you know me all too well 😉 I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and see how it compares to your local place. Please come back and let me know how it turns out! 😀 – Erica
Shari says
I fell in love with the Maui version of mac salad which has potatoes & macaroni with cold, green peas in it along with the mayo.
Favorite Family Recipes says
Interesting- what restaurant in Maui did you try this in? Would love to try it!
Nicolle says
Can you give me a rough estimate of “salt and pepper to taste”? I have NO idea what the correct taste is, help!
Favorite Family Recipes says
I would say maybe a teaspoon of each and then taste it and add more as needed! It really is about what you think tastes good!
Lynn says
One of the first meals I had at my (to-be) mother-in-laws was a cold Mac salad with flaked salmon. After 47 years I still make it for him every summer all summer long. Have to try your version, we just won’t tell my mother-in-law.
Erica says
oooh that actually sounds delicious! If you try our version your secret will be safe with us 😉 we won’t tell her. 😀
shayeanders says
Add a bit of teriyaki sauce gives it a bit of a Hawaiian taste!
Erica Walker says
Ooh I have never heard of doing that before! I am sure it is delicious since I love taking a bite of mac salad along with the teriyaki chicken 🙂
Bonnie Schmidt says
Love this! Whenever I order Hawaiian BBQ I order extra mac salad, and this recipe is spot on for me!
Erica Walker says
Can’t have Hawaiian BBQ without mac salad, right? So so good! Thanks for the 5-stars!
Dee says
I was born in the Islands and although our family moved to the mainland while I was young, every birthday party, wedding, funeral, graduation, or other family gathering always included my mom’s mac salad. When I saw this recipe, I had to try it. I made it exactly as described and it brought tears to my eyes when I tasted it…it is absolutely authentic, just like my mom’s. I just made it for my husband’s family reunion and they all loved it! This is a keeper. Thank you for posting!!!
Erica Walker says
Hi Dee- Thank you so much for this wonderful comment! This is exactly why we do what we do. We love hearing when our recipes bring back fond memories. I am so glad you and your family enjoyed this recipe. Thanks again for taking the time to come back to share your story with us!
Brian says
It might be just me, but this is like eating a big bowl of mayonnaise. I love mayo but this is just too much without enough other flavors to offset. Not saying it is a bad recipe at all. Just saying it’s not my cup of tea.
Echo Blickenstaff says
It is heavy on the mayo – but that is Hawaiian Mac Salad. It is better after it chills and the macaroni absorbs some of the mayonnaise. You can always cut back on the mayo in the recipe. If it dries out, you can stir in a little milk before eating. Sorry you didn’t love it. 🙁
Mike says
Not being a Hawaiian native, I care more about taste than absolute authenticity, but I made this after being impressed with all the comments from Hawaii locals … and the “In Hawaii it’s all about the mayo.” statement in the overview. 🙂 Initially I added half the mayo/milk … but the full amount is fine (of course!), since the macaroni absorbs so much of it.
I did want a bit of freshness and texture, so I added about a half-cup of chopped celery and apple … and next time I may dice rather than shred the carrots.
Thanks for the warning to avoid pineapple. 🙂 (I also resisted my wife’s suggestion to add some mango.) But I’m thinking that some shredded coconut might give this a little more tropical flair.
Many thanks for posting this recipe. — Mike in San Jose
Emily Walker says
Thanks, I love the variations you took on it!