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Hawaiian macaroni salad in a large bowl with a serving spoon.
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4.92 from 637 votes

Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

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!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Keyword: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, Side, Side Dish
Servings: 10
Calories: 563kcal
Author: Erica Walker

Equipment

  • Stove Top
  • Large Sauce Pan

Ingredients

  • 1 pound macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 carrots, shredded
  • ¼ cup shredded onion (optional)
  • 2 ½ cups Mayonnaise Best Foods or Hellman's mayonnaise (no substitutes!)
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoon sugar
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and place in a large bowl.
    Boiling macaroni in a red dutch oven.
  • While macaroni is still hot, sprinkle on vinegar. Add carrot and onion. Toss together until well combined. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, or until cooled.
    Hawaiian macaroni salad in a glass bowl being mixed together with a spatula.
  • In a separate, small bowl, whisk together mayo, milk, and sugar. Fold the mayo mixture into the macaroni until all the noodles are evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
    Mixing together Hawaiian mac salad ingredients in a glass bowl.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (best if overnight). Gently stir before serving, add a little more milk if needed, no more than a tablespoon or two.
    Hawaiian mac salad covered with saran wrap.

Video

Notes

  • I like to put my boiled macaroni and ingredients directly in a Tupperware bowl with a lid so I can easily refrigerate it. 
  • Make sure you use Best Foods or Hellmann's mayonnaise-no substitutes! 

Nutrition

Calories: 563kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 370mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2085IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 0.7mg