Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad – Creamy, Classic & Island-Style Comfort

In Hawaiian cuisine, macaroni salad isn’t just a side dish — it’s essential. Every traditional plate lunch comes with two scoops of rice and one generous scoop of creamy mac salad. It’s simple, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying.

“Ono” means delicious — and this version absolutely earns the name.

It’s:

• Extra creamy
• Slightly tangy
• Perfectly soft
• Balanced and mild
• BBQ-ready
• Make-ahead friendly

Let’s make it the authentic way.

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What Makes Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Different?

Unlike mainland pasta salads, authentic Hawaiian mac salad has:

• Very soft, fully cooked macaroni
• Extra creamy mayonnaise dressing
• Mild sweetness
• Minimal add-ins
• No sharp vinegar overload

It’s meant to complement bold BBQ meats — not compete with them.

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Ingredients

– Pasta Base

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

– Creamy Dressing

• 2 cups mayonnaise (use full-fat for authenticity)
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

– Mix-Ins

• 1 cup finely shredded carrots
• ½ cup very finely minced sweet onion

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add elbow macaroni and cook 1–2 minutes longer than package directions (you want it soft, not al dente).
3. Drain completely and return pasta to warm pot.
4. While pasta is warm, sprinkle apple cider vinegar over it and toss gently. Let cool 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. Add slightly cooled macaroni to the dressing.
7. Stir in shredded carrots and minced onion.
8. Mix thoroughly until creamy and evenly coated.
9. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
10. Stir before serving and adjust salt or milk if needed.

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Texture & Flavor Profile

Texture:

• Ultra creamy
• Soft pasta
• Slight crunch from carrots
• Smooth finish

Flavor:

• Mild sweetness
• Light tang
• Rich mayo base
• Balanced saltiness

It’s comfort food simplicity at its best.

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Pro Tips for Authentic Results

• Overcook pasta slightly — that softness is traditional.
• Use full-fat mayo only.
• Finely mince onion to avoid harsh bites.
• Chill long enough for flavors to meld.
• Add splash of milk before serving if thickened.

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Perfect Pairings

Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled teriyaki chicken
• Kalua pork
• BBQ ribs
• Loco moco
• Spam musubi
• Garlic shrimp

It balances smoky, salty, and sweet meats perfectly.

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Variations

1. Extra Creamy Version

Add an additional ½ cup mayo.

2. Potato Mac Salad

Add 1 cup finely diced boiled potatoes.

3. Protein Boost

Add diced hard-boiled eggs.

4. Lighter Version

Use half mayo and half Greek yogurt (not traditional, but works).

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Make-Ahead & Storage

• Refrigerate up to 4 days.
• Do not freeze (mayo separates).
• Stir before serving to refresh texture.

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Why You’ll Make This Again

✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Crowd-pleasing
✔ Simple ingredients
✔ BBQ essential
✔ Perfect for potlucks
✔ Comfort food classic

Once you make authentic Hawaiian mac salad, other versions may feel too sharp or too dry.

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