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.
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 Pork: 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.
Ingredients For This Dish
- Noodles: The heart of the dish – soft, starchy macaroni acts as a blank canvas that soaks up all the creamy, tangy dressing. It provides that classic comforting texture.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor. Shredding it helps mellow the bite and distribute it more evenly throughout the salad.
- Carrots: Offer natural sweetness, a bit of crunch, and color contrast that livens up the salad.
- Sweet Pickles: Optional; brings tangy sweetness and a pop of acidity that balances out the richness of the mayo.
- Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy dressing – rich, smooth, and indulgent. It binds everything together and gives the salad its signature luscious texture.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens up the flavors and cuts through the heaviness of the mayo, adding tang.
- Milk: Loosens the dressing slightly, making it silky and helping it coat the pasta more evenly.
- Sugar: Balances the vinegar and enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and pickles.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for rounding out and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Green Onion: Add a touch of freshness and mild oniony bite, plus a nice visual garnish if used.
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 sweet pickles, finely diced
- 2 1/2 cups mayo (must be Hellman’s or Best Food’s)
- 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
What kind of pickles? Sweet or dill?
Hi Laurene, I recommend using sweet!
What’s the weight of noodles? 16oz of dry macaroni? I don’t understand “8 servings noodles”. Thanks.
Yes, 16 oz is perfect!
I love getting this at a local Hawaiian food restaurant near me! Mixing with a little siracha makes it a 10/10 for me.
Yum! Sriracha always hits the spot!
This was awesome! Creamy but not too heavy, and the tang was perfect.
Hi Ivy! I agree – delicious combo! Thanks for sharing!