Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad Recipe (for BBQ and Plate Lunches)

I started making this Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad Recipe after trying the creamy mac salad served with Hawaiian plate lunches.

The first bite reminded me why this side dish gets so much love. It looks simple, but the soft macaroni, rich mayo dressing, sweet onion, and little tang from vinegar make it hard to stop eating.

This Hawaiian macaroni salad has that cool and creamy texture that goes perfect with grilled chicken, BBQ beef, and rice bowls.

What makes it special is the soft pasta and extra creamy dressing. A lot of mainland macaroni salads feel dry, but this one stays rich and smooth after chilling in the fridge.

I also love how easy it is to make with simple grocery store ingredients. You don’t need fancy stuff here.

If you want a true Hawaiian-style macaroni salad at home, this recipe gives you that restaurant taste without much work.

Once you make this macaroni salad like Hawaiian Bros, you’ll probably keep it in your fridge all week like I do.

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad

This Hawaiian macaroni salad feels simple, but the flavor hits different. The noodles stay soft and creamy, and the dressing coats every bite just right.

I like that it uses regular ingredients you probably already have at home. The sweet onion and carrot give it a fresh taste without making it heavy.

Another reason people love this Hawaiian mac salad is how well it fits with grilled meats, fried chicken, or even burgers.

It also tastes better after sitting in the fridge, which makes meal prep easy. I’ve made it for cookouts and quick dinners, and the bowl always empties fast.

Perfect For

Backyard BBQ dinners – Serve this creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad next to grilled chicken, ribs, or smoky BBQ beef for that full plate lunch feel at home.

Hot summer days – Cold, creamy pasta salad tastes extra good when it’s hot outside and you want something cool with dinner.

Easy meal prep lunches – Make a big bowl and keep it in the fridge for quick lunches during the week. The flavor gets even better the next day.

Potluck tables – This is one of those simple side dishes people scoop first because it’s creamy, filling, and goes with almost everything.

Hawaiian-style dinner nights – Pair it with Honolulu Chicken, Molokai Chicken, or teriyaki chicken and rice for a restaurant-style meal at home.

Fried chicken meals – Crispy fried chicken with creamy mac salad just works. The cold pasta balances the crunchy hot chicken really well.

Beginner home cooks – If you want an easy side dish that looks and tastes impressive without much work, this recipe is a great place to start.

Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad Ingredients

For the Macaroni

16 ounces elbow macaroni – I use regular elbow macaroni because it gives that classic Hawaiian mac salad texture. The curved noodles hold the creamy dressing really well, and once they soften a little extra, the salad tastes just like the restaurant version.

1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder – I always add bouillon powder to the pasta water because it gives the macaroni more flavor from the start instead of tasting plain after mixing everything together.

Water, for boiling – Simple, but important. You need plenty of water so the macaroni cooks evenly and turns soft without sticking together while boiling.

For the Mix-Ins

1 large carrot, peeled and shredded – The shredded carrot adds a little sweetness and color to the salad. I like using fresh carrots because they stay crisp and balance the creamy mayo dressing really nicely.

1/2 small sweet onion, grated – Sweet onion gives the salad that light onion flavor without being too sharp. I grate it fine so it melts right into the dressing, and I never skip the onion juice because it adds extra flavor.

2 green onions, finely chopped – I sprinkle green onions on top before serving because they add fresh flavor and make the macaroni salad look brighter and more homemade.

For the Dressing

15 ounces Best Foods mayonnaise – Best Foods mayo gives the closest flavor to authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad. If you can’t find it, Hellmann’s works great too since they taste almost the same in most parts of the country.

1/2 cup whole milk – Whole milk helps loosen the mayo dressing so it coats every noodle smoothly. I like using whole milk because it keeps the dressing rich and creamy without feeling too thick.

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds the little tang that keeps the salad from tasting too heavy. Sometimes I swap in rice vinegar when I want a softer and slightly sweeter flavor.

1 tablespoon sugar – Just a little sugar balances the tangy vinegar and creamy mayo. It does not make the salad sweet, but it helps everything taste smoother together.

Salt, to taste – Salt brings all the flavors together and keeps the dressing from tasting flat. I usually add a little at a time and taste as I mix.

Black pepper, to taste – Black pepper adds simple seasoning and a little bite to the creamy dressing. I like adding extra on top before serving for more flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use Hellmann’s mayo instead of Best Foods if that’s easier to find near you. They taste very close and still give a creamy texture.
• Swap apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar for a softer tang. I actually like rice vinegar when I want a smoother flavor.
• Add chopped celery if you enjoy a little crunch in your macaroni salad.
• Use red onion instead of sweet onion for a sharper bite and stronger flavor.
• Mix in shredded cabbage for more texture and a true local-style plate lunch feel.
• Use low-fat milk if needed, but whole milk keeps the dressing richer and smoother.
• Add diced ham or shredded chicken to turn this side dish into a quick lunch meal.
• Try black pepper heavily on top if you enjoy a little more bold flavor in creamy pasta salads.

How To Make Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad

Step 1 | Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in the chicken bouillon powder until dissolved. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions, but continue cooking toward the longer end of the time range. The pasta should be soft, not firm. This softer texture is what gives Hawaiian macaroni salad its classic creamy bite and helps the noodles absorb the dressing later.

Drain the macaroni in a colander and let it cool slightly while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Step 2 | Prepare the Vegetables

Peel the carrot and shred it into thin short strands. A ribbon-style shredder creates the classic texture, but a box grater or pre-shredded carrots also work.

Grate the sweet onion until finely broken down. Include the onion juices because they add extra sweetness and flavor to the salad. For a milder onion flavor, gently squeeze out some of the liquid before using.

Finely chop the green onions and set aside for garnish.

Step 3 | Make the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise.

Pour the whole milk into the empty mayo jar, close the lid, and shake well to collect the remaining mayo from the sides of the jar. Add the milk mixture to the bowl.

Stir in the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and fully combined. Taste the dressing and adjust if needed. Add more vinegar for extra tanginess or a little more sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

Step 4 | Combine Everything

Add the cooked macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Add the shredded carrots and grated onion with all the juices.

Mix thoroughly until every piece of macaroni is evenly coated. At this stage, the salad may look slightly loose or extra creamy, which is completely normal.

Finish with an extra sprinkle of black pepper if desired.

Step 5 | Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Overnight is even better. During chilling, the macaroni absorbs the dressing and the flavors blend together, creating the authentic creamy texture Hawaiian mac salad is known for.

Before serving, stir the salad again. If it thickens too much in the fridge, add a small splash of milk to loosen it.

Garnish with chopped green onions right before serving.

Pro Tips & Notes to Achieve Creamy Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad

Cook the macaroni a little longer than normal – I learned that slightly softer noodles make a huge difference because they soak up the creamy dressing better and give that true Hawaiian-style texture.

Let the salad chill overnight if possible – This macaroni salad honestly tastes much better the next day because the dressing settles into the pasta and the flavors blend together really nicely.

Use whole milk for the smoothest dressing – I tested lower-fat milk before, but whole milk keeps the mayo dressing creamy and rich without turning watery after chilling.

Stir the salad again before serving – The dressing settles at the bottom while chilling, so I always mix everything one more time to bring back the creamy texture.

Add a little milk before serving leftovers – The pasta absorbs dressing overnight, so a small splash of milk helps loosen everything and makes the salad creamy again.

Stick with real mayonnaise for the best flavor – I tried salad dressing once and the taste felt too sweet. Real mayo gives the rich and classic Hawaiian mac salad flavor.

Serve the macaroni salad cold, not warm – This salad tastes best straight from the fridge because the dressing stays thick, creamy, and fresh next to hot BBQ meats or chicken.

Pairing Ideas with This Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad

This creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad fits with so many comfort meals, but it really shines next to smoky grilled meats and sweet Hawaiian-style chicken.

I’ve tried it with a bunch of different dinners, and these are the combos I keep coming back to.

Honolulu chicken – Sweet teriyaki-style chicken with cold creamy macaroni salad just works together. The teriyaki sauce from the chicken mixes into the mac salad a little and makes every bite even better.

Huli Huli chicken – Sticky grilled Huli Huli chicken has that smoky sweet flavor that tastes amazing with chilled macaroni salad. The creamy dressing cools down the charred edges from the grill perfectly.

Molokai chicken – This one has a richer flavor, so the cold pasta salad balances it really well. I like serving both with white rice for a full Hawaiian plate lunch at home.

Steamed white rice – Plain rice may sound simple, but it helps balance the creamy macaroni salad and heavier meats on the plate. It makes everything feel complete without adding extra flavors.

Fried chicken – Crispy fried chicken with cold mac salad is one of my favorite easy dinners. The crunchy coating and creamy noodles balance each other perfectly.

Roasted vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or even roasted carrots add some crunch and color beside the creamy pasta salad. I usually roast them until the edges get slightly crispy.

Hawaiian rolls – Soft Hawaiian rolls are great for soaking up extra sauce from chicken or BBQ on the plate. People always grab one more roll than they planned.

Store Leftover & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Hawaiian Bros macaroni salad in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days.

I like giving it a quick stir before serving because the noodles soak up dressing while sitting. If it looks thick, add a spoon of milk to loosen it.

Reheating

This salad tastes best cold, so reheating usually is not needed. If the salad feels too firm straight from the fridge, let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes before serving. That helps the dressing turn creamy again without warming the pasta too much.

Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad Recipe FAQs

Why is Hawaiian macaroni salad so creamy?

The extra mayonnaise, whole milk, and soft cooked pasta create that creamy texture. The noodles absorb the dressing while chilling, which keeps the salad rich instead of dry like many pasta salads.

Do I need to overcook the macaroni?

Slightly overcooking the pasta helps create the classic Hawaiian-style texture. You don’t want mushy noodles, but they should be softer than regular pasta salad macaroni for the best creamy bite.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, but elbow macaroni works best because it holds the dressing well. Small shells can also work, though the final texture may feel a little different from authentic Hawaiian mac salad.

What mayo works best for this recipe?

Best Foods mayonnaise gives the most classic flavor. Hellmann’s also works great since both brands are very similar. I would avoid miracle-style dressings because the taste changes too much.

Can I freeze macaroni salad?

I would not freeze it. Mayo-based salads separate after thawing and the texture turns watery. Fresh refrigerated macaroni salad tastes much better and keeps its creamy texture.

How long should I chill the salad?

At least 1 hour helps the dressing settle into the noodles. Overnight chilling gives the best flavor because everything blends together slowly in the fridge.

Why do you add onion juice?

The onion juice adds extra flavor and slight sweetness into the dressing. It may seem small, but it really changes the taste and gives the salad more depth.

My Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad Recipe brings that creamy island-style comfort food right into your kitchen without much work.

The soft macaroni, rich mayo dressing, sweet onion, and simple seasonings create the kind of side dish people keep going back for.

I love how it fits with BBQ chicken, Hawaiian plate lunches, burgers, and easy weeknight dinners. Once you chill it overnight, the flavor gets even better.