BEST Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe

If you love Hawaiian food, you’ll love this easy classic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe! It’s the perfect side dish for a lunch, BBQ, or Luau.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 cups half and half
• 1 1/2 cups Hellman's mayonnaise
• 1 medium yellow onion, grated (1/3 cup)
• 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pound dry elbow macaroni (3 cups, 450 grams)
• 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated (1/2 cup)
• 1 medium celery stalk, cut horizontally and sliced thin (heaping 1/3 cup)
• 3 green onions, white and green parts, sliced thin (1/3 cup)
• Garnish with extra fresh grated carrot and sliced green onion (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Start by bringing a large pot of salted...: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the dressing by combining the half and half, mayonnaise, grated onion, sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and set aside.
2. 2Once the water is boiling, add the macaroni...: Once the water is boiling, add the macaroni and cook for the time indicated on the package for al dente pasta, plus an additional 3 minutes. This will result in a softer noodle that will better absorb the dressing. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. When the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander.
3. 3Transfer the drained pasta back to the pot...: Transfer the drained pasta back to the pot and mix in the apple cider vinegar. Cover the pot with a lid and let the pasta cool for 20 minutes.
4. 4After the pasta has cooled, add half of...: After the pasta has cooled, add half of the prepared dressing to the pot and stir until the pasta is fully coated. Cover the pot again and let it sit for another 20 minutes.
5. 5Next, add the remaining dressing, grated carrot, celery,...: Next, add the remaining dressing, grated carrot, celery, and green onions to the pot. Mix everything together thoroughly, cover, and let the pasta cool to room temperature, which should take about 20 more minutes.
6. 6Once the pasta has reached room temperature, give...: Once the pasta has reached room temperature, give it another stir and transfer it to a serving bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the pasta to fully cool and the dressing to set.
7. 7Before serving, garnish the salad with additional grated...: Before serving, garnish the salad with additional grated carrot and sliced green onion, if desired.