What makes Hawaiian mac salad different?

The key difference in a hawaiian macaroni salad recipe is its simplicity and creamy texture. Unlike traditional macaroni salads that include mustard, pickles, or crunchy veggies, Hawaiian mac salad is made with soft-cooked pasta, full-fat mayonnaise (preferably Best Foods or Hellmann’s), vinegar, shredded carrot, and a bit of sugar. It’s smoother, sweeter, and creamier—designed to complement bold plate lunch proteins.

What are the ingredients in Hawaiian salad?

An authentic hawaiian macaroni salad recipe includes: - Elbow macaroni - Apple cider vinegar - Shredded carrot - Optional onion - Real mayonnaise (Best Foods or Hellmann’s only) - Milk - Sugar - Salt and pepper These ingredients create a creamy, slightly tangy flavor profile that defines Hawaiian mac salad.

What's in L&L macaroni salad?

L&L’s version closely mirrors the classic hawaiian macaroni salad recipe . It typically contains: - Soft-cooked elbow macaroni - Mayonnaise - Milk - Sugar - Shredded carrot It’s chilled thoroughly and served alongside rice and a protein—just like a traditional plate lunch.

Why does Hawaiian Bros serve macaroni salad?

Hawaiian Bros serves macaroni salad because it’s an essential component of a Hawaiian plate lunch. The creamy, chilled hawaiian macaroni salad recipe balances out the bold, salty, and often smoky flavors of grilled meats like teriyaki chicken or kalua pork. It offers textural contrast and adds nostalgic comfort to every bite.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe – Best 1-Bowl Creamy Side (2025)

Name: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe – Best 1-Bowl Creamy Side (2025)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 shredded carrots; 1/4 cup shredded onion (optional); 2 ½ cups Best Foods or Hellmann’s mayonnaise; 1/4 cup milk; 2 teaspoons sugar; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

This Hawaiian macaroni salad recipe is a creamy, comforting side made with simple ingredients like soft elbow pasta, Best Foods mayo, carrots, vinegar, and sugar. A chilled classic that’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or plate lunches.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 shredded carrots
1/4 cup shredded onion (optional)
2 ½ cups Best Foods or Hellmann’s mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until very tender. Rinse under cold water until cool and drain.
Transfer pasta to a bowl, sprinkle with vinegar, and mix in carrots and optional onion. Chill for 15 minutes.
In another bowl, whisk together the mayo, milk, and sugar. Fold into pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Notes

For the best results, always use Best Foods or Hellmann’s mayonnaise. Other brands or light versions can alter the taste and texture significantly.
Be sure to cook the pasta until soft, not al dente. This allows the macaroni to absorb the dressing and helps create the signature creamy texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

Calories: 151 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 11 mg
Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 0.2mg