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What is Hawaiian salad made of?

What is Hawaiian Salad Made Of? Tropical Recipe Guide

This authentic Hawaiian mac salad is a creamy, slightly tangy side dish perfect for BBQs, picnics, and luau-inspired dinners. Made with soft elbow macaroni, grated carrots, sweet onion, and a rich mayo-based dressing, it’s the iconic companion to many traditional Hawaiian plates. Chill it well and serve cold for best flavor.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked soft
  • 1 large carrot, finely shredded
  • 1/2 small sweet onion, grated
  • 15 oz Best Foods or Hellmann’s mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil the macaroni: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tbsp chicken bouillon (optional) for flavor. Cook 16 oz elbow macaroni until soft—not al dente. Drain and let cool completely.
  2. Prepare vegetables: Shred 1 large carrot and grate 1/2 small sweet onion. Optional: squeeze the grated onion to reduce sharpness.
  3. Make the dressing: In a bowl, mix 15 oz mayonnaise with 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  4. Combine: In a large bowl, mix the macaroni with shredded carrot and grated onion. Pour dressing over and mix well to coat evenly.
  5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) for best flavor and texture.
  6. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve chilled alongside your favorite Hawaiian dishes.

Notes

For a true Hawaiian-style result, avoid overcomplicating the salad. Letting the salad sit overnight helps the pasta absorb more flavor. Best served cold with Kalua pork, loco moco, or BBQ chicken.

  • Author: susan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiled & Mixed
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: hawaiian mac salad, what is hawaiian salad made of, tropical side dish