Just in time for Labor Day weekend, my favorite classic Hawaiian mac salad is ready! This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the real deal. A no-fuss, flavorful, creamy mac salad that is the perfect side dish for any BBQ or Luau! The thing I love about this mac salad is how simple the recipe is, and the flavor is what makes people love it! There really isn’t a lot to this dish, but I promise everyone who tries it will love it! Make it with me!
What You’ll Need to Make Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
1 pound elbow noodles, cooked according to package directions, cooled
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/3 cup grated sweet yellow onion
1 cup Best Foods mayonnaise
1 cup Miracle Whip
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup whole milk
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons dry Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Onera Seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
The Best Hawaiian Mac Salad
This recipe is one that is really simple, which I love. I wanted to match that authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad that you can find on the islands at the Luaus.
Traditional Hawaiian Mac is really just elbow noodles, mayo, carrots, and onion. Again, so simple!
But for me, I wanted a little more flavor, while still staying true to the classic recipe. That’s where my seasonings and sweetness come in.
To my recipe, I’ve added both pineapple juice and sugar for sweetness. I absolutely love the addition of sweetness to this recipe, and I think it makes it so delicious!
I’ve also added dry Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, again for flavor! This doesn’t take away from the dish, but adds to it!
I also added my very favorite Onera seasoning because well, I truly believe you cannot make pasta salad without it. It is absolutely essential in ANY pasta salad.
Other than those few tweaks, I think this is the best Hawaiian Macaroni Salad you will find! It’s so yummy!
Mac Salad Tips
- Use both Best Foods Mayo and Miracle Whip in this recipe! I know, it sounds crazy, but that is how you are going to get the base flavor right!
- Always allow time for the salad to sit and set up before serving! I always say, macaroni salad is a great make ahead recipe. It needs time to allow the flavors to incorporate. I would say, allow this to refridgerate for at least one hour before serving, but what is even better is to let it sit overnight.
- If you do let it sit overnight, the flavor is going to be AMAZING, but it also may dry out. If that happens, simple whisk together an additional 1/2 cup mayo with some milk, then mix it into the noodles. It will moisten everything right up!
- I love serving this dish up with a delicious Teriyaki Chicken and steamed White Rice. It’s really the perfect pairing!
Other Recipes You Might Like
If you give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or snap a photo and tag it with @TheAlexDaynes on Instagram! I love to see what you’ve been cooking. It always makes my day!
LIKE THIS RECIPE AND WANT TO SAVE IT FOR LATER? PIN IT TO PINTEREST HERE!
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the real deal. A no-fuss, flavorful, creamy mac salad that is the perfect side dish for any BBQ or Luau!
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow noodles, cooked according to package directions, cooled
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/3 cup grated sweet yellow onion
- 1 cup Best Foods mayonnaise
- 1 cup Miracle Whip
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 Tablespoons dry Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Onera Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then allow them to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo, miracle whip, pineapple juice, milk, sugar, ranch seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add in the cooked noodles, carrots, and sweet onion and toss until coated.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Enjoy!
