Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Video

Name: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 2.5 cups Best Foods or Hellmann’s Mayo (reserve 1/2 cup); 1/2 cup onion (finely grated); 1/2 cup carrot (shredded); 3 scallions (chopped); 1 can canned tuna (about 5 oz); 2 eggs (hard boiled, peeled and roughly chopped); 1/4 tsp white pepper; 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste); 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)

Posted on May 10, 2026

Hawaiian macaroni salad served in a bowl with creamy dressing and elbow macaroni

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why make this recipe

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a delicious and easy dish that brings a taste of the islands to your table. This salad is creamy, flavorful, and packed with ingredients that create a wonderful texture and taste. It’s a perfect side dish for barbeques, picnics, or any casual gathering. Plus, it’s simple to make with ingredients you likely already have at home, making it a go-to recipe for many.

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how to make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Ingredients:

1 lb elbow macaroni
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2.5 cups Best Foods or Hellmann’s Mayo (reserve 1/2 cup to achieve desired consistency after refrigerating)
1/2 cup onion (finely grated)
1/2 cup carrot (shredded)
3 scallions (chopped)
1 can canned tuna (about 5 oz)
2 eggs (hard boiled, peeled and roughly chopped)
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)

Directions:

Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes longer than the package instructions for al dente. The pasta should be soft because it will firm up again once mixed and cooled in the fridge.
After draining and cooling the macaroni, add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. This helps the pasta absorb some flavor.
Mix in the mayo, onion, carrot, scallions, tuna, eggs, black and white pepper, and salt. Combine everything thoroughly.
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until it is chilled.
Before serving, check the consistency and if needed, add the reserved 1/2 cup of mayo to make it creamier. Serve with your plate lunch and enjoy!

how to serve Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is best served chilled. It’s a wonderful side dish for grilled meats or served alongside a plate lunch that includes rice and protein. Garnish with some chopped scallions on top for a fresh look.

how to store Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Store any leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-5 days. If it thickens too much, add a little more mayo to regain the creamy texture.

tips to make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Make sure to cook the macaroni until it’s softer than usual, as it will firm up when chilled.
Taste as you mix in the seasonings like salt and pepper to get the flavors just right for your preference.
For a bit more crunch, consider adding some celery or bell peppers to the mix.

variation

You can customize this salad by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, sweet peas, or even some diced pineapple for a tropical twist. If you want to make it more filling, try adding some diced cooked chicken or shrimp.

This Hawaiian macaroni salad is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or easy family meals with classic island-inspired taste.

For more delicious recipes, enjoy these cheesy Big Mac-style cheeseburger sliders on Hawaiian rolls or try this creamy macaroni salad with deviled eggs. You can also discover this lighter Greek yogurt macaroni salad for another crowd-pleasing side dish.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like shells or rotini if you prefer.

Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: The traditional recipe is not gluten-free due to the elbow macaroni. However, you can use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Q: Can I make this salad a day in advance?
A: Absolutely! Making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld even better. Just remember to add a bit more mayo before serving if it thickens.

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