There’s something about a good macaroni salad that feels like summer in Hawai’i. If you’ve ever had a plate lunch from Ono Hawaiian BBQ or L&L Hawaiian BBQ, you know that creamy, tangy, cool scoop of Hawaiian mac salad hits different. I still remember the first time I tasted it—sweet, salty, simple—just like the island breeze.
This one Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad recipe brings that same island flavor to your home kitchen, using just a few basic ingredients like elbow macaroni, Best Foods mayo, and shredded carrot. Stick around, and I’ll show you exactly how to make ono Hawaiian macaroni salad that’s creamy, nostalgic, and always the perfect side dish for your next BBQ.
What’s in the Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe?
Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad is a creamy, simple side dish essential to any authentic Hawaiian plate lunch. This ono Hawaiian macaroni salad skips the extras—just elbow macaroni, a touch of vinegar, lots of mayo, and shredded carrot. You’ll find this macaroni salad at Hawaiian BBQ spots across the islands, served cold alongside grilled meats and rice.
Whether chicken katsu or kalua pork, this macaroni salad, Hawaiian BBQ style, perfectly balances bold flavors with its cool, creamy texture. If you’re craving a taste of the islands, this authentic Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad brings the local flavor straight to your plate.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad
This Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy delight for BBQS and gatherings. Made with simple ingredients like elbow macaroni, mayo, and a touch of vinegar, it’s incredibly easy to make and brings that island flavor straight to your plate. The sweetness from the carrots, the coolness from the mayo, and the tang from the vinegar balance perfectly, making it the ideal side dish for chicken katsu or teriyaki chicken.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly, so you can make a big batch for your next BBQ or potluck. Whether you’re reminiscing about your favourite Hawaiian BBQ spot or trying it for the first time, this mac salad will quickly become a go-to favourite. And if you’re looking for other vibrant, flavorful dishes to pair with it, try our Puerto Rican Chicken Noodle Soup for a cozy combo, or switch things up with a slice of Sweet Tomatoes Chimichurri Pizza for a bold and satisfying meal twist.
Ingredients for Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe
Here are the ingredients for an Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- ½ cup milk (or more to adjust consistency)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tang)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment and Tools:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grater
- Chopping board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving spoon or tongs
Cooking time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
How to Make Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Elbow Macaroni: Boil your elbow macaroni in salted water until tender but not mushy. Drain and cool completely before mixing. This keeps the salad from becoming watery.
Step 2: Add the Tangy Apple Cider Vinegar: While the pasta is still warm, stir in apple cider vinegar. This adds that signature tanginess that sets Hawaiian mac salad apart.
Step 3: Shred the Carrot and Prepare Other Veggies: Shred carrots and finely chop celery and onion (if using). These give texture and slight sweetness to the creamy pasta.
Step 4: Stir in the Best Foods Mayo: Mix in mayo once pasta is cool. Best Foods mayo gives it a rich, smooth taste. Adjust creaminess with a splash of milk.
Step 5: Refrigerate and Let the Flavors Marinate: Here’s my secret tip: After everything’s mixed, cover your mac salad with a lid or plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for a few hours, preferably overnight. The flavors come to life as they marinate, and the salad tastes even better after it’s been chilled. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for BBQS, picnics, or gatherings. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh and ready to serve whenever needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy: Once your mac salad has had time to chill, it’s ready to serve. Pair it with some grilled meats like chicken katsu, teriyaki chicken, or huli huli chicken for an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch experience. That creamy, cool, and tangy mac salad will add the perfect side to any BBQ spread. And hey, if you made a big batch, don’t worry—it’s even better the next day.
Watch How to Make
Tips for the Perfect Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook macaroni until tender but still firm to hold its shape in the salad.
- Cool the pasta: Allow pasta to cool completely before mixing with mayo to avoid a runny salad.
- Add extra mayo if needed: If the salad seems dry, add a bit more mayo to achieve the desired creamy texture.
- Keep it simple: Stick to the basics—macaroni, mayo, vinegar, and shredded carrots. For an authentic taste, skip the extras like peas or peppers.
- Marinate overnight: Let the salad chill in the fridge to meld the flavors together.
Serving Ideas for the Hawaiian Lunch Plate
Here are some perfect pairings and ideas to create your Hawaiian lunch plate at home:
1. Chicken Katsu and Mac Salad: Crispy, golden-brown chicken katsu served with a generous scoop of Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad recipe and a mound of steamed white rice. Drizzle with tonkatsu sauce for the ultimate comfort combo.
2. Teriyaki Chicken Plate: Juicy grilled teriyaki chicken, sticky sweet and savory, pairs beautifully with the creamy tang of mac salad. Add a side of rice, and you’ve got a perfect Hawaiian lunch plate.
3. Kalua Pork with Macaroni Salad: The smoky, tender shreds of kalua pork are a match made in heaven with cool mac salad and rice. To complete the feast, serve with cabbage or Lomi-Lomi salmon.
4. Huli Chicken and Mac Salad: Sweet, pineapple-glazed huli huli chicken brings a burst of island flavor. A scoop of Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad balances it all out with creamy richness.
5. Grilled Mahi Mahi or Shrimp: For a lighter option, serve your mac salad with grilled Mahi Mahi or shrimp. A squeeze of lemon and a dash of furikake on the rice elevates the plate.
FAQS about Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Reecipe
Why is Best Foods the best mayo for Hawaiian mac salad?
Best Foods (also sold as Hellmann’s in some regions) has a rich, creamy texture and balanced flavor that perfectly complements the tanginess of the vinegar and sweetness of the carrot. It’s widely used in Hawaiian kitchens and by popular spots like Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad, so we recommend it for the most authentic taste.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead?
Yes, you can use any mayonnaise you like, but for the creamiest, most traditional flavour, stick with a high-quality brand. Some lighter or low-fat versions may alter the texture and richness of the salad.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for Hawaiian mac salad, you can substitute it with small shells, ditalini, or other short pasta shapes. Just be sure they hold their shape well after cooking and cooling.
Can I freeze Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad. Mayonnaise tends to separate and change texture when frozen and thawed, resulting in a grainy, watery dish. For best results, enjoy it fresh or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Is Hawaiian mac salad supposed to be served cold?
Yes! This dish is best served chilled. Letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours—or even overnight—not only cools it down but also allows all the flavours to blend beautifully.
Can I make Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better when made ahead. Refrigerate it in an airtight container and stir in a bit of mayo before serving if it seems dry.
Is it traditional to add tuna or other proteins to the salad?
While the traditional version is quite simple, adding canned tuna, crab, or chopped chicken katsu is a popular variation for a heartier version. These additions are optional but delicious!
Why this is the best mac salad recipe, Hawaiian style
This Hawaiian-style macaroni salad recipe is creamy, tangy, and truly ono! It’s the perfect Hawaiian BBQ macaroni salad recipe for any cookout or weeknight meal. We think it’s the best mac salad recipe, Hawaiian-style, and we hope you love it, too.
Have you tried it? Share your thoughts or your twist in the comments! We’d love to see your take on this ono mac salad. Mahalo!
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