Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish made with simple ingredients, perfect for potlucks, Easter, and summer BBQs.
Try my Mexican street corn pasta salad, Greek pasta salad, tuna pasta salad next!
Recipe Snapshot
QUCK & EASY: simple ingredients easy to throw together
PERFECT SIDE: balanced, refreshing macaroni salad
MAKE AHEAD: great to make the day before you need it
One of the favorite holiday, summer and bbq side salads
Ingredients You’ll Need

- 2 cups elbow pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- (Optional) 1 cup ham, cubed
- Green onions, roughly chopped (to garnish)
Step by Step Instructions

STEP ONE – Prepare pasta according to package directions.
STEP TWO – While pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, milk, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and no lumps remain. Set aside.
STEP THREE – Drain pasta and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded carrots, celery, onions, and ham (if using). Pour the dressing in a stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
STEP FOUR – Cover salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight. Garnish with green onions and serve cold.

Storage instructions
Store using an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish made with simple ingredients, perfect for potlucks, Easter, and summer BBQs.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow pasta, uncooked
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
(Optional) 1 cup ham, cubed
Green onions, roughly chopped (to garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, milk, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and no lumps remain. Set aside.
- Drain pasta and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded carrots, celery, onions, and ham (if using). Pour the dressing in a stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Cover salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight. Garnish with green onions and serve cold.
Notes
Storage instructions:
Store using an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American







