I love my trips to Hawaii, and every time we get a plate lunch, the meal just isn’t complete without a side of Hawaiian mac salad.
When I am home in California and the tropical blues hit, this is a taste of the islands that I can easily recreate in my kitchen.
Hawaiian mac salad is a creamy side dish and the ultimate comfort food. Do not overcomplicate things. A true local-style mac salad is all about simplicity. Just boil the pasta and throw everything together.
The one thing I did differently was add bacon. I would have used Spam since locals love it, but I had bacon bits on hand, and they worked just as well to provide that same salty and savory kick. The verdict? It was so ono!
What You Will Need
To make Hawaiian mac salad at home, gather the following ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni: This classic pasta shape is traditional and absorbs the creamy dressing perfectly. You can use another small pasta shape like ditalini, a small, tube-shaped Italian pasta, if you are out of elbows.
- Carrots: Shredded carrots add a subtle sweetness and a beautiful pop of color to the base. Some people grate them for much smaller pieces, but I find pre-shredded carrots save on prep time and work just as well.
- Cucumber or celery: Some Hawaiians might insist on celery, but I am not a celery person, so cucumber is my go-to for that bite of freshness in an otherwise very rich dish. I am just using an English cucumber that I finely diced with the peel and all. If using celery, make sure to peel the stringy outer layer before dicing.
- Onions or shallot: Onions provide a savory bite that balances the dressing perfectly. Sweet onions are great here. I am using a shallot in this recipe.
- Best Foods Mayonnaise: Hawaiians will say this is the absolute best mayonnaise to use for an authentic flavor profile. If you live on the East Coast, grab Hellmann’s. However, I have also used Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise and it too works well.
- Salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder: If you want a bit of sweetness, you can also add a pinch of sugar.
- Vinegar: I am using seasoned vinegar. This is primarily to cut the richness of the mayo. You can also use white vinegar or simply omit it altogether if you do not have any.
- Optional add-ins: You can easily customize this recipe by adding hard-boiled eggs, peas for extra color, or fresh green onions. If I had Spam, I would have added that, but here I am adding bacon bits!
Pro Tips for Success
Take the time to finely mince your vegetables. You want the flavor of the cucumber, shallots, or any other vegetables you are using in every single bite without chewing on large chunks. Plus, it looks super pretty.
If you find the salad is too dry after preparing it ahead of time, mix in a little extra mayo to get the right consistency back. You can also use milk, or simply water for a dairy-free option. Add the liquid one tablespoon at a time, mix well and it’s good as new!
Related Recipes
If you enjoy this recipe, you might enjoy my other Hawaiian recipes!
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Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with Bacon
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This creamy mac salad is the perfect side dish for a plate lunch or your next gathering. It features soft elbow macaroni, crisp carrots, refreshing cucumber, and rich mayonnaise. I added bacon bits for a salty umami that takes this authentic recipe to the next level.
Ingredients
- 16 oz dried elbow macaroni
- 2 cups Best Foods/Hellman’s mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar (can sub with white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup thinly shredded or grated carrot (about 3 oz)
- 1 cup finely diced English cucumber or 1 celery (about 4 oz)
- 1 shallot or 1/2 red onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup bacon bits
Instructions
- Boil pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, but use the higher end of the suggested cooking time and add about two extra minutes. This makes the pasta a bit softer so it can quickly absorb the dressing. Drain the noodles and let them cool completely. There is no need to rinse them.
- Combine: Add the macaroni to a large mixing bowl. Add all the seasonings and vegetables on top, then gently toss everything together. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Finish: You can enjoy as is but for more flavor, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least an hour, or preferably overnight, so the ingredients can marry. Serve chilled alongside your favorite main dishes.
Notes
If you want a bit of sweetness, add 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar.
For more customizations, you can add chopped hard-boiled eggs, peas or thinly sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
