Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

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 5oz); 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 12, 2026

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad served in a bowl with carrots and green onions

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Why Make This Recipe

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a favorite side dish that packs a punch with flavor and creaminess. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or even a simple family dinner. It combines pasta, vegetables, and tuna in a comforting, tangy dressing that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, taking just a few simple steps to whip up a large batch that everyone will love.

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How to Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

To create a delicious Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, follow these easy steps.

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 5oz)
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 macaroni in salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes past the package instructions for al dente. The pasta should be soft since it will firm up after mixing and cooling in the fridge.
Once the macaroni is drained and cooled, add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and mix it into the pasta for absorption.
Add the mayo, onion, carrot, scallions, tuna, eggs, black and white pepper, and salt, then mix thoroughly.
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until chilled.
Finally, add the reserved 1/2 cup of mayo to the salad, or enough to achieve your desired consistency. Serve with your plate lunch and enjoy!

How to Serve Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is great served as a side dish for grilled meats, fried chicken, or a traditional plate lunch. You can also enjoy it on its own, as a light meal or snack. Garnish with some extra scallions or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color before serving.

How to Store Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

To keep the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3 days. If the salad becomes dry after a couple of days, simply add a bit more mayo to moisten it before serving again.

Tips to Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

For the best taste, allow the macaroni salad to chill thoroughly before serving; this helps the flavors meld together.
Adjust the amount of mayonnaise according to your preferred creaminess.
You can customize the salad by adding other vegetables like peas or bell peppers.

Variation

You can easily modify this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad by adding different proteins. Substitute tuna for shredded chicken or crab for a unique twist. You may also add diced pineapple for a sweeter flavor profile.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy and flavorful side dish packed with tender pasta and tangy dressing, making it perfect for BBQs, picnics, or easy family dinners.

For more delicious meal inspiration, enjoy these garlic parmesan chicken skewers or try these turkey burger sliders recipes. You can also discover more easy slider dinner ideas for the perfect party menu pairing.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad can be made a day in advance. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to blend together.

2. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make this recipe suitable for those who are gluten intolerant.

3. How can I make this salad healthier?
For a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise and incorporate Greek yogurt instead. Adding more veggies can also boost the nutritional value.