No Hawaiian plate lunch is complete without a scoop of creamy, tangy, Hawaiian mac salad. This isn’t your average macaroni salad – it’s all about the texture, the balance of flavors and that unmistakable creamy goodness that pairs perfectly with Hawaiian plate lunches. This match-made-in-heaven is why mac salad is a staple at local spots like Zippy’s. The secret? Slightly overcooked macaroni that doesn’t soak up all the dressing, finely minced onion and shredded carrot for just the right sweetness and bite, and loads of creaminess from Best Foods mayonnaise and a splash of milk. Here’s how to make Hawaiian mac salad the right way – local-style.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 ½ cups Best Foods mayonnaise (plus more if needed)
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black or white pepper
• ¼ cup grated (pulped) sweet onion (or more to taste)
• ¼ cup shredded carrot

Optional

You may add sugar or vinegar, similar to Mainland-style mac salads, but in Hawaii the carrot serves the sweet and the onion contributes the tang.  If you do want to add sugar and vinegar, here are suggested amounts:

• 1 Tablespoon white or brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Add-Ins (Variations You’ll See in Hawaii)

• ½ cup boiled and mashed or diced white potato (for potato mac salad)
• ½ cup boiled and diced Okinawa sweet potato (purple) for potato mac salad
• 1 small can of  tuna, drained for tuna mac salad
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• ¼ cup finely chopped celery

Instructions

1. Cook the Macaroni – Boil the elbow macaroni until it is soft and well-done, about 2 – 3 minutes past al dente. This keeps the noodles from soaking up too much of the dressing, ensuring this Hawaiian mac salad stays creamy and saucy.  Drain and rinse with cold water. Let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Dressing – In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, milk, salt, pepper (and sugar and vinegar if using) until smooth.
3. Add the Flavors – Fold in the finely grated (pulped) onion and shredded carrot. The onion should be practically liquid – this gives it a subtle but essential flavor without overpowering the salad.
4. Mix it All Together – Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing and gently stir until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better) to let the flavors meld.
5. Adjust & Serve – Before serving, give it a taste and add more mayo or milk if it looks dry. Hawaiian mac salad should be very creamy, slightly tangy and just a little sweet.

How to Enjoy Hawaiian Mac Salad

Hawaiian mac salad is a must-have with any plate lunch – served next to a scoop of steamed white rice and your choice of shoyu chicken, kalbi, chicken katsu, beef stew, kalua pig, mochiko chicken, garlic shrimp or teri-beef. Some plate lunch spots offer the option to swap out mac salad for tossed salad, but let’s be real – Hawaiian mac salad is the way to go.

Macaroni salad is everywhere in Hawaii, and every spot does it slightly differently. Some places add potato, some mix in tuna, and some keep it super simple with just the basics. But one thing remains the same: Hawaiian mac salad is absolutely essential to the plate lunch experience.

Where to Find Really Good Hawaiian Mac Salad

When you’re in Hawaii, check out some of these spots:

• Zippy’s – A local institution, and their mac salad is a classic.
• Yummy Korean BBQ – Their mac salad pairs perfectly with their Korean BBQ plates.
• Rainbow Drive-In – A must-try for a classic plate lunch with simple, no frills mac salad.
• L & L Drive-In – A go-to plate lunch spot.
• Gina’s BBQ – A beloved Korean BBQ spot, and they serve some of the creamiest mac salad in the islands.
• Grace’s Inn – A longtime favorite for plate lunches and chow funn.
• Liliha Bakery – Famous for their bakery items, but their plate lunches are a must too.
• St. Louis Drive-In – A classic hole-in-the-wall with generous portions and old school Hawaiian mac salad.
• Keneke’s – A windward-side favorite, serving up hearty local-style plate lunches with creamy mac salad.

Everyone has their own take on mac salad, but one thing’s for sure – it’s a staple you’ll find everywhere in Hawaii. Whether you’re visiting the islands and trying this local delight in person or recreating plate lunch magic at home, Hawaiian mac salad always hits the spot.