Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

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Don't worry—there's no pineapple in this Hawaiian macaroni salad! Of all the pasta salad recipes out there, this one is beloved in the Aloha State where locals pair it with everything from smoked pork to fried chicken to shrimp. There aren't any tropical flavors involved; it's just one of those fun, tasty picnic side dishes to bring to all of your potlucks and cookouts! The sweet and tangy flavor makes it the perfect match for these sweet and smoky ribs, but it's also delicious alongside hot dogs, grilled chicken, and grilled pork chops. Want to make it a day ahead? Be our guest! Sprinkle with green onion just before serving and dig right in!

What's the origin of Hawaiian macaroni salad?

It's hard to believe that a dish made primarily of macaroni and mayonnaise originated in the Aloha State, but by most accounts, it did! The story behind Hawaiian macaroni salad is debatable, but many believe the creamy "salad" was invented around the 1900s when Europeans introduced mayo and elbow macaroni to the island. In Hawaii, the dish is usually served on a lunch plate with saucy meats and rice.

What's in Hawaiian macaroni salad?

It's the easiest dish ever: just cooked pasta, grated carrot and onion, a little bit of celery and sliced green onion, and the perfectly sweet, tangy, creamy dressing.

Is Hawaiian macaroni salad served warm or cold?

This salad should be eaten cold, fresh from the fridge! It tastes best if you allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

How do you keep Hawaiian macaroni salad from drying out?

The creamy dressing keeps this pasta salad nice and moist. However, if you make it ahead, it can seem a little dry the next day. To moisten it back up, add a few tablespoons of milk and give it a big stir. That's it!

Can you add meat to Hawaiian macaroni salad?

Traditionally, Hawaiian macaroni salad is served as a side to barbecued meats and doesn't contain any meat itself. That said, diced ham would be a scrumptious addition to this pasta salad if you want add a protein.

What makes Hawaiian macaroni salad different from other macaroni salads?

Hawaiian macaroni salad is typically milder than traditional macaroni salads in mainland America. The Hawaiian version's dressing is made of mostly mayonnaise, with just a dash of vinegar and sprinkle of sugar thrown in. Other macaroni salads often mix in zingy mustard, or other bold ingredients. Ree's traditional macaroni salad recipe calls for pickle juice! Hawaiian macaroni salad mix-ins are also kept simpler, with shredded carrot, crunchy celery, and onion. Other versions call for pickles, peppers, and sometimes even hard-boiled egg.

What kind of pasta is in Hawaiian macaroni salad?

Traditional elbow macaroni is the pasta shape used to make this pasta salad. But don't worry, any short noodle will work nicely, including rigatoni, penne, or even small shells.

How long does Hawaiian macaroni salad last in the fridge?

This creamy pasta salad will stay fresh for up to three days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.