Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
divided, use 1½ cups, set aside ½ cup
- 2 cups mayonnaise
divided, use 1 cup, set aside 1 cup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 to 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
added to water for boiling
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ sweet onion
grated
- ½ cup carrot
peeled and grated, approximately one large carrot
- ¼ cup celery
chopped fine, approximately one celery stalk
- 4 scallions
green onions, sliced thin
Directions
- 1
Whisk together 1½ cups milk, 1 cup mayonnaise, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons pepper in a bowl.
- 2
Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta and cook until very soft, about 15 minutes.
Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 17 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the creamy, tangy goodness of a classic Hawaiian plate lunch mac salad? This recipe brings the authentic taste of Hawaii right to your kitchen, delivering that super good, genuine flavor you remember from the islands.
Why This Recipe Works
What sets this Hawaiian Mac Salad apart is its rich, balanced dressing, carefully crafted with whole milk, mayonnaise, and a hint of brown sugar. The blend ensures a perfectly creamy texture that coats every elbow macaroni noodle without being overly heavy or greasy, mimicking the true island-style experience.
What to Expect
You can expect a wonderfully creamy and slightly tangy mac salad, with a subtle sweetness that complements the savory notes of Kosher salt and black pepper. The finely grated sweet onion, carrot, and chopped celery add a delicate crunch and freshness, while sliced scallions provide a vibrant finish. This generous recipe yields 12 servings, making it perfect for sharing at a potluck, barbecue, or as part of a larger family meal. It’s a comforting side dish that's incredibly satisfying and true to its Hawaiian roots.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper to your preference; some like it with a bit more kick. If you're not a fan of sweet onion, you can reduce the amount or even omit it, though it contributes to the classic flavor. For a different texture, you could finely dice the carrot instead of grating it, though grating helps it blend seamlessly into the creamy dressing.
Serving & Context
This authentic Hawaiian Mac Salad is the ideal companion to grilled meats, kalua pork, or as the essential side for a classic plate lunch experience. Serve it chilled for the best flavor and texture, perhaps alongside a scoop of rice.