This Hawaiian mac salad is creamy, light, and packed with flavor. Tangy and savory, it is the perfect side for grilled meats or garlic shrimp. Shredded carrots bring a natural sweetness, while shredded onion adds a sharp bite that balances every spoonful. Try this Hawaiian mac salad recipe alongside your favorite grilled proteins for the ultimate plate.

Why You Will Love This Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe

Creamy and flavorful: The rich Kewpie mayo dressing makes every bite creamy, tangy, and savory.

Easy to make: This Hawaiian mac salad comes together with simple ingredients.

Slightly sweet and tangy: A touch of sugar and rice vinegar gives the creamy dressing that classic sweet-tangy balance.

Perfect with Hawaiian plates: Serve it alongside garlic shrimp, rice, barbecue, chicken, or your favorite grilled meats.

Origin of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian macaroni salad, or mac salad, is a common side dish served with Hawaiian-style plates. Although its exact origin is unclear, it is believed that mac salad developed from American and European culinary influences during the 20th century.

Ingredients

1 cup dry macaroni
- The base of the salad
⅓ cup shredded carrot
- Adds natural sweetness
⅓ cup finely shredded onion
- Gives it a sharp flavor
Green Onion, sliced
- Adds a fresh flavor
2 tbsp milk
- Loosens the mayonnaise base
1 tsp salt
- Enhances the flavor
1 tsp sugar
- Adds sweetness
½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
- Helps create the rich and creamy base
½ tsp black pepper
- Adds a nice peppery note
Rice vinegar, to taste
- Adds acidity and brightness

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:

Instructions

Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until tender.

Drain and rinse with cold water, then let the macaroni cool completely.

Add the shredded carrot, green onions, and finely shredded onion to the cooled macaroni.

Drizzle with rice vinegar and mix well.

In a separate bowl, combine the milk, salt, sugar, Kewpie mayonnaise, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetables. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Hawaiian Mac Salad Tips

Cook the macaroni until very tender: Hawaiian mac salad is traditionally softer than al dente, which helps it absorb the creamy dressing.

Rinse with cold water: This stops the cooking process and cools the macaroni quickly before adding the dressing.

Cool the macaroni completely: Adding the dressing to hot pasta can make the mayonnaise sauce runny.

Grate the vegetables finely: Finely shredded carrot and onion blend into the mac salad better and give it the classic texture.

Don’t skip the vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the creamy mayonnaise and sugar.

Adjust the dressing after chilling: The macaroni will absorb some of the dressing as it sits. Add a little more seasoning, mayonnaise or milk if needed before serving.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store Hawaiian mac salad in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Ingredient Substitutions

Elbow macaroni → Small shells, or other small pasta

Kewpie mayonnaise → Regular mayonnaise

Milk → Half-and-half

Rice vinegar → Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar

What to Serve With Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian garlic shrimp → A classic pairing with creamy mac salad, rice, and garlicky shrimp.

Hawaiian BBQ chicken → The sweet and savory chicken complements the tangy mac salad.

Grilled shrimp → Serve with grilled or garlic butter shrimp for an easy seafood plate.

White rice → A simple staple that rounds out a Hawaiian-style plate lunch.

Most Common Mistakes

Overcooking the macaroni: Cook the pasta until very tender, but avoid cooking it so long that it becomes mushy.

Not cooling the macaroni: Let the macaroni cool completely before adding the mayonnaise-based dressing to prevent the dressing from becoming runny.

Skipping the resting time: Let the mac salad chill for at least 1 hour so the flavors can develop and the dressing can fully absorb into the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hawaiian macaroni salad different?

Hawaiian mac salad is known for its creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor.

Why is my macaroni salad dry after refrigerating?

The macaroni will continue absorbing the dressing as it sits in the refrigerator. If it becomes too dry, stir in a little more mayonnaise or milk before serving to bring back the creamy consistency.

Print Recipe