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Close-up spoonful of Hawaiian macaroni salad showing creamy macaroni, shredded carrot, and green onion

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

A creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet macaroni salad made with mayo, milk, grated carrot, onion, and green onions. It is a classic chilled side dish that gets even better after time in the fridge.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
rest time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Hawaiian-American
Calories: 445

Ingredients
  

  • the salad
  • 1 lb macaroni noodles
  • 1 1/2 cups grated carrot
  • 1/3 cup grated yellow onion
  • 1 cup chopped green onions approximately 7 green onions
  • the dressing
  • 2 cups mayo
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Box grater
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula or spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until very tender, slightly past al dente. Drain well.
  2. Transfer the warm macaroni to a large bowl and toss with the apple cider vinegar.
  3. Add the grated carrot and grated yellow onion to the bowl and mix to combine.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, milk, brown sugar, pepper, and salt until smooth.
  5. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir well until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Fold in the chopped green onions.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  8. Stir before serving and add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 6gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 506mgPotassium: 168mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 3820IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg

Video

Notes

  • Cook the macaroni a little softer than usual for the classic creamy texture.
  • Tossing warm pasta with vinegar helps build flavor early.
  • Freshly grated carrot and onion give the best texture.
  • Add a splash of milk after chilling if the salad thickens too much.
  • This salad is best served cold.

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