hawaiian macaroni salad

16 Pinches 1 Photo
Ofallon, MO
Updated on Oct 10, 2025

This quick and easy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a macaroni pasta salad with shredded carrots, sweet yellow onions, crisp celery, and scallions in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. It is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine and a frequently served dish on plate lunches on the islands.

prep time 20 Min
cook time 10 Min
method Stove Top
yield 14 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons grated yellow onion
  • 2 large carrots, grated
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced

How To Make hawaiian macaroni salad

  • Step 1
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook al dente according to package instructions.
  • Step 2
    Drain well and put the warm macaroni back in the empty pot. Stir in the vinegar. Cover and let the vinegar absorb into the pasta.
  • Step 3
    Meanwhile, mix the mayonnaise, half and half, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
  • Step 4
    Add the cooked pasta, half the dressing, grated onion, carrots, and celery to a large serving bowl. Mix to coat.
  • Step 5
    Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the macaroni salad and the remaining dressing in an airtight container for at least 2 hours up to overnight.
  • Step 6
    Before serving, add the remaining dressing and sliced green onions. Toss to coat.

Discover More

Category: Pasta Salads
Ingredient: Pasta
Culture: American
Method: Stove Top

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