Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Creamy, cool, and full of fresh flavors, Hawaiian Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for any cookout, potluck, or summer meal. This island-inspired twist on classic macaroni salad brings a subtle sweetness and tang from apple cider vinegar and sugar, balanced with the richness of mayonnaise and milk. Fresh vegetables like shredded carrot, celery, and green onion add crunch and brightness, making every bite vibrant and satisfying.

Often served alongside barbecue meats or as part of a Hawaiian plate lunch, this pasta salad stands out for its smooth texture, slight sweetness, and mellow onion flavor. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a go-to recipe when you need a no-fuss dish that everyone will love.

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or packing it for a picnic, this Hawaiian Pasta Salad delivers comfort, color, and flavor in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Smooth and Creamy Texture – A silky mayo-based dressing coats every pasta piece.
2. Perfectly Balanced Flavors – A touch of sweetness and tanginess adds a Hawaiian twist.
3. Crisp and Fresh Vegetables – Carrot, celery, and onion add crunch and depth.
4. Great Make-Ahead Dish – Flavors meld beautifully after chilling, perfect for parties.
5. Simple and Crowd-Pleasing – Easy to prepare with pantry staples and always a hit.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni
• Mayonnaise
• Whole milk
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Carrot (shredded)
• Celery (chopped)
• Green onion (chopped)
• Yellow onion (grated)

Variations

• Add Protein: Stir in diced ham or cooked chicken for a heartier version.
• Make It Sweet: Add pineapple tidbits for extra Hawaiian flair.
• Lighten It Up: Use light mayo or Greek yogurt for a healthier dressing.
• Boost Color: Add red bell pepper or sweet peas for more visual appeal.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne for a little heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, whole milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Stir in shredded carrot, chopped celery, grated yellow onion, and chopped green onion.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Dressing

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and mix until everything is well coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Chill the Salad

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (ideally 4 hours or overnight) to allow flavors to develop and pasta to absorb the dressing.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, give the salad a good stir and garnish with extra green onions, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rinse the pasta with cold water immediately after boiling to prevent overcooking.
• For best results, let the salad chill for several hours before serving.
• Use freshly shredded carrots for best texture and flavor.
• Grating yellow onion helps it blend better into the dressing.
• If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a little more milk or mayo to refresh it.

How to Serve

Serve Hawaiian Pasta Salad chilled as a side dish with grilled meats, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, or as part of a Hawaiian plate lunch. It also pairs well with seafood or a fresh fruit salad for a complete summer meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving again.

Freezing

Not recommended—mayonnaise-based salads do not freeze well as the dressing tends to separate when thawed.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served cold. If the pasta becomes too firm in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make Hawaiian Pasta Salad the day before?

Yes, it’s even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

2. What type of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small shells or ditalini also work well.

3. Can I use store-bought shredded carrots?

Yes, but freshly shredded carrots have a better texture and flavor.

4. How can I keep the pasta from absorbing all the dressing?

Toss the pasta in a small amount of dressing while it’s still warm, then chill and mix in the rest later.

5. Is the apple cider vinegar necessary?

Yes, it adds the signature tanginess—substitute with white vinegar if needed.

6. Can I make this vegan?

Yes, use vegan mayo and plant-based milk.

7. Is it okay to skip the grated yellow onion?

You can, but it adds great depth to the flavor. Consider using onion powder instead.

8. How can I make it sweeter?

Add a bit more sugar or a spoonful of crushed pineapple.

9. Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, small cubes of cheddar or Monterey Jack are a nice addition.

10. Does this salad travel well for picnics or potlucks?

Yes, just keep it chilled in a cooler until serving time.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Pasta Salad is the ultimate creamy, crunchy, and flavorful side dish that brings tropical vibes to any meal. With its balance of sweet and tangy notes, fresh vegetables, and rich dressing, it’s easy to see why this dish is a crowd favorite. Whether you’re preparing for a summer BBQ or just need a refreshing side, this easy-to-make salad is a reliable go-to you’ll make again and again.

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