Hawaiian Mac Salad is one of those humble side dishes that somehow manages to steal the show. If you’ve ever had a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch, you know that the creamy, slightly tangy mac salad nestled next to a scoop of white rice and savory meat is essential. It’s seriously so simple—just macaroni, mayo, and a few basic seasonings!
It’s an absolute must-try if you’re in Hawaii. You’ll find it everywhere, from food trucks and fast casual spots to mom-and-pop diners. But the best part is, you don’t have to hop on a plane to enjoy it—Hawaiian Mac Salad is super easy to make at home!
The key is overcooking the macaroni just a bit so it absorbs the creamy dressing better, and using Best Foods or Hellmann’s mayo (a serious non-negotiable in many Hawaiian households).
I actually forgot how much I loved Hawaiian Mac Salad until I started going to a local Hawaiian fast casual spot more regularly. Every time, I’d look forward to that scoop of mac salad just as much as the main dish.
Eventually, I decided to try making it at home, and I was blown away by how easy it was to recreate. It’s the perfect make-ahead side for BBQs, potlucks, or just when you’re craving a little taste of the islands.
What to Eat Mac Salad With:
Hawaiian mac salad is super versatile and pairs perfectly with all kinds of savory, bold-flavored mains. It adds a creamy, cooling contrast that balances out salty, smoky, or spicy dishes. Here are some of the best things to serve it with:
- Kalua Oork: Tender, smoky shredded pork that’s a classic in Hawaiian cuisine.
- Loco Moco: A hearty dish with rice, hamburger patty, fried egg, and rich brown gravy.
- Katsu: Crispy fried cutlet served with tonkatsu sauce.
- Teriyaki Beef or Chicken: Sweet and savory grilled meat pairs beautifully with the creamy mac.
- Spam Musubi: salty and satisfying, Spam and mac salad are an iconic combo.
- Fried or Grilled Fish: Especially when served plate-lunch style with rice and mac.
Whether you’re going all out with a Hawaiian spread or just want a solid side dish for your protein of choice, mac salad’s got your back.
Mac Salad Main Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients commonly used in Hawaiian Mac Salad:
- Elbow Macaroni: The base of the salad, usually cooked until very soft so it absorbs the dressing well.
- Mayonnaise: The star of the dressing; Best Foods or Hellmann’s is the traditional choice for that rich, creamy texture.
- Shredded Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- Pickles: Chopped finely, they bring a nice tang and crunch to balance the creaminess.
- Onions: Typically grated or minced very finely so they blend in without being overpowering.
Optional additions might include sugar, milk, or even a little bit of pickle juice depending on your preferred flavor balance, but those core five are a solid starting point!
The BEST, Easiest Hawaiian Mac Salad
- Total Time: 4 hours 38 minutes
Description
Hawaiian mac salad is a creamy, tangy, and comforting pasta side dish made with overcooked macaroni, mayo, and simple mix-ins like carrots, pickles, and onions—an essential part of any Hawaiian plate lunch.
Ingredients
- 8 servings noodles
- 1/3 cup onion, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup pickles, finely diced
- 2 1/2 cups mayo
- 2 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Rinse under cold water until completely cool. Drain well and place in a large bowl.
- Add vinegar, carrots, pickles, and onions. Toss together until well combined. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, or until cooled.
- Fold the mayo, milk, and sugar into the macaroni until all the noodles are evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (best if overnight).
- Gently stir before serving, add a little more milk if needed (to make the noodles creamy), no more than a tablespoon or two. Garnish with green onions.
- Prep Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10-12
Kyrié is a half-Japanese food content creator and avid home cook who specializes in Asian cuisine, with a focus on Japanese. She loves developing recipes and sharing approachable yet authentic meals. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s helping her husband Jeff tend to their garden, or on some artistic venture.
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