How to Make Our Favorite Macaroni Salad

Test cook Natalie Estrada makes Julia Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.
Get the recipe for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: cooks.io/3f4Q6Yn
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[@annemiura7767]

I’m from Hawaii, this is a good recipe. Very authentic. The main thing is to really cook the macaroni til it is soft. Any mayo will do, my family don’t use as much vinegar, we use only 1-2 tablespoons. People who want to leave out sugar or add spam etc. don’t realize that this Mac salad is not a stand alone dish and in Hawaii we eat it with salty food like shoyu chicken, teriyaki beef, kalua pork etc. So the creaminess is great.

[@shellyd1811]

My mom is Hawaiian....she always added crab/krab/or canned tuna.

[@mariesonoma]

Yes, and I've been wanting and waiting for a true recipe. We know who's an islander who knows and misses the food. Owaeeee. Thank you Darling 🌺🍍🥢

[@carolinems.2411]

Thank you, I was wondering what a typical meal would be with the macaroni salad, or the appropriate way to serve it.

[@RIXRADvidz]

I ate plenty of mac salad when I visited Big Island, Great Food everywhere we went. One particular smoke-house in Waimea was amazing.

[@WootTootZoot]

Best Foods is the only mayo you want to use. (from my Hawaiian neighbor)

[@salcos]

I’ve made this several times now and can honestly say that it is the best macaroni salad I have ever made. It is absolutely delicious.

[@mariaalmaamila6779]

We also have pilipino macaroni salad.we used mayonnaise .no venigar

[@joannaedwards6325]

​@@mariaalmaamila6779 Much better.

[@risacat2046]

Born and raised in Hawaii. At any takeout. It’s called plate lunches and most are served w macaroni salad!!!! It’s so good w barbecued meat and rice.

[@kaywatson6505]

This looks amazing. I grew up on Mac salad with pineapple, cheese, red peppers, celery and canned tuna fish.

[@lidiaking3968]

I was in Sacramento for a while and my daughter in law love Hawaiian food, I tried this salad while I was there and I love it, thanks for sharing how to make it

[@handyman8494]

been making macaroni for years. tuna or seafood chunks, salt, pepper, mayo, celery, eggs if you like them, peppers, red onion, shake of Frank's hot sauce, sprinkle of paprika on top..enjoy!

[@damienreisner2183]

Amazing and appetizing to the eyes. Thank you so much for sharing. Never seen a better looking macaroni salad.

[@beverlyspringer5368]

I had precooked medium shrimp and we have it for a main dish! Family loves it!

[@Chegles1]

I am the macaroni salad maker in my family (my husband is the main cook) and I am definitely going to try this recipe. Won't they be surprised!

[@karage1035]

This the true authentic mac salad. Love it. 👏👏👏

[@chefdingo]

I wasn't actually impressed with this recipe at first, but after letting it sit in the fridge for a day I changed my mind. This is the best macaroni salad I've ever had. It might not be authentic, but I like to add crumbled bacon and/or finely diced cucumber that's been salted then drained.

[@tritontransport]

Any macaroni salad seems to be better the day after it sits in the fridge

[@AunHasanAli]

magnificent. best mac salad ever. period.

[@JeromeGentes]

Made this for the 4th of July and only JUST finished it bc we made 2 lbs of pasta worth. The flavors evolved from day to day and the onion, interestingly, got pungent within a couple of days but then mellowed out big time. The taste of it today, exactly 1 week later, was perfection, and the pasta never got soggy.

[@neilmoore7194]

My family is from Hawaii and we used to have this all the time. Difference was raw grated onion instead of scallions, chopped pimento instead of carrot, and two cans of baby shrimp and paprika to flavor. Let it sit in the fridge overnight before serving. Never any leftovers.

[@mangot589]

So, a different recipe? Just sayin

[@barbarasapp1234]

Love you all❤ you bring me such joy watching you. This will one of many that I will make.

[@gnawbabygnaw]

Thanks! If I’m looking for how to make something and America’s Test Kitchen is an option it’s Always my Go To. 🤙

[@rjb6327]

I've made this a few times now, and I have to say, it is the best macaroni salad I ever had.

[@kathleennorton6108]

It seems different with all that vinegar and also lots of milk, but it looks very good.

[@rjb6327]

@@kathleennorton6108 Oh it is well worth making. I could make a meal of it.

[@JG90984]

Is the vinegar too much?

[@sarcasticbrain2240]

@@JG90984 I believe is just right, since the milk and sugar will balance the acidic flavor.

[@Ahard12describe]

I was viewing another recipe of this dish & decided to go with yours! 💯🤤

[@derekh.7582]

This recipe took me back to 1970’s in Maui. I remember getting a plate lunch at Azeka store in Kihei with ribs and a scoop of macaroni exactly salad like this, only difference was the green onions were added as a garnish. There was an old lady that worked the counter that used to call me "Portagee Boy”, and she always gave me big potions because I had dimples. After a day in the ocean, plate lunch and can of coke with a cup of ice was heaven. Strange how food memories cab transport uou back 50 years.

[@vernolabullock5918]

I am from Baltimore MD and I watch the shows on MPT. The food the people's on the shows cooking have me glue to the TV lol.

[@beautiful_davika6958]

I made this Macaroni pasta salad and it was suuuuuper delicious...I'm thinking about making it again but for Thanksgiving 2020....😋😋😋 Thanks for this wonderful recipe.

[@222vitaminwater222]

So good, I've made this a few times now and it scales down well too!

[@whendrknssfalls5480]

I have made this a few times and it’s the best Mac salad I have ever had. I am making it for 4th of July this year again as it was a hit with family members previously at gatherings.

[@michaelnorman4476]

There’s a restaurant that I like to eat at that does Hawaiian barbecue and their macaroni salad is one of the sides. I’ve never known specifically what it was and now I do. Thank you for showing us how to make this.

[@marilynhernandez4388]

This is the first macaroni salad I’ve ever made and, not only was it delicious, it was easy to make. Thanks for the recipe and the demo!

[@cak8132]

I really thought that dressing was going to be too goopy but it looks like it’s not. I like the veggies that were added. They make the salad more interesting than the usual macaroni salad.

[@cindyhappel7376]

I’m making this tomorrow!! Made my mouth water!!! Thanks for sharing this recipe!!!

[@susanvp4685]

Just made Mac salad yesterday…going to try this version next time. Thanks for sharing ❤️🇨🇦

[@polyprinz]

I'm from Hawaii, and the Aunties here take pride in their macaroni salads, and they are delicious! love this recipe, the apple cider vinegar off sets the mayo and milk dressing, perfect balance. And the veggies for some crunch.

[@user-zk5qu6mr6c]

I bet it would taste good with some drained pineapple chunks in it.

[@ann-mariejensen2623]

I just made this for the first time. It's delicious! Creamy with a bit of tang and sweetness -- it's a winner. And so easy and quick! Thanks!

[@miguelsolis3187]

Looks very tasty! The Best Macaroni Salad recipe that I willing to try. Thank you!

[@vestarexpressions9909]

I've made this 2x now and everyone says it's the "Best" they ever had! I add chopped red bell peppers only because I love them! This will forever be my go to recipe! DELISH!!!!!

[@tlcarr08]

Lived in Hawaii for 3 years, this was one of my favorite dishes

[@kymmiejohnston3481]

I made this today. I'm one happy lady!!!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@mariesonoma]

Love Hawaiian mac salad there's nothing like it in the whole world thank you girls great job! Aloha!🌊

[@anitaevans5361]

I agree, I got favorite restaurant that has best macaroni salad. I’ve never thought to make it and have it at home til today, it would b awesome if I can make it & make it taste like the restaurant 🌞

[@LovleeBaker805]

This my mom's recipe 😋♥️

[@joannaedwards6325]

​@@anitaevans5361 Restaurant mac salads usually taste better 'cause it is kept in fridge a day before serving.

[@wendywyatt8563]

Made it today. Had a small sample, it was delish. Saving the rest for dinner

[@yulanalow2395]

America's Test Kitchen Thank you for adding diversity to your Cook's Country staff. And such a diversity of American cooking is very welcome. Excellent!

[@yulanalow2395]

@@Layput And how is my comment political. I was just commenting on the diversity of people on the show, it has changed over the years. Don't comment because you're going to get political. Sheesh!

[@kathleenlawler7888]

I would hope that Natalie Estrada was hired because of her capabilities and not merely on her Ethnicity.

[@joannaedwards6325]

And I also enjoy Lan Lam.

[@Phoenix85006]

I can't wait to make this today. It looks simple enough for someone like me! Even I couldn't flub this up. 🤞

[@Marla.22]

LOLLLLLLLLLLLL

[@susanh.352]

When I watch food program's like this, I really miss Hawaii and all their great food's. The people are awesome also. :)

[@michellejack1263]

Thank you. Now I have a renewed dinner idea. Sounds soo delicious

[@gfello]

I’ve made this a couple of times now, it’s absolutely delicious! An easy, excellent recipe.

[@Versace71]

So it he vinegar is not too much?

[@violetviolet888]

@@Versace71 No, most chefs will tell you that the most common element missing when home cooks-cook- is acid. An acidic component in your dishes will round them out, make them vibrant, and far more tasty. Vinegar cuts the fat and sugars.

[@joannaedwards6325]

​@@violetviolet888 Since I've learned about the acid component my cooking tastes much better. Also, for older taste buds, a tiny smidge of cayenne adds for improved flavor.

[@abigaildelaforce2456]

Nice variation on Hawaiian Mac Salad.......born n raised in Hawaii, Mac Salad is like a family staple, especially at family gatherings and celebrations...... Our basic recipe was the boiled macaroni, “Best Food Mayonnaise “ (Label found west of the Rockies), diced boiled eggs, diced round onions, grated carrots, diced celery, salt and pepper. Added options were potatoes(boiled/cooled lightly sprinkled w/ vinegar) can tuna, diced Hormel Span, black olives, imitation crab, crab, and Japanese fish cake.....each family took pride in making their own version....milk and vinegar was never incorporated in our recipe. Aloha:)

[@annaluke5696]

I一

[@beantrader4723]

if u didn't use milk or vinigar for ur dressing, then what did u use?

[@mihwarode9630]

That looks yummy! I don't normally make the macaroni salad, but I am going to make it 😋. Thank you.

[@jocelynjones2825]

I love macaroni salads. All of them!❤️😊

[@Forevertrue]

Here in Texas we have been making Macaroni salad cooked done for some time. I have never had it another way. Celery and carrots are not strangers either. No onions except the green ones? Red onion goes great in this as well.

[@WootTootZoot]

In Hawaii they usually add peas and potatoes as well.

[@annemiura7767]

We do not add peas! Maybe someone got creative with your Mac salad !!

[@msoperator510]

Soaking the chopped red onion for 15 minutes in cold water helps take care of the hot/strong bite out of it.

[@tinasan3870]

I prefer green onions, they're not as strong as red...

[@Forevertrue]

@@annemiura7767 Hey it's called cooking! Add what you like, it doesn't need a label to be good. Jalapenos make it great.

[@onefreebird1]

Hawaiian food in Vegas is amazing. Their bbq chicken with this macaroni salad is bomb.

[@lynnjackson8367]

Not mushy noodles

[@beverlyyarborough5077]

I've got to give this a try. I love macaroni salad, but I've had a tough time finding a recipe I like. TFS

[@roadrunner123]

I made this today for a potluck sports activity. It came out delicious...and very pretty.

[@angiebega2444]

Gonna try this recipe love this macaroni👍😀

[@catherinemelnyk]

This looks delicious! Will definitely try this.

[@kasinetaylor128]

I like seeing this it made me have idea to make something more different for my cook out on the fourth of July.I like having something different to cook for my family and some friends too at my house this nice to see.

[@barbiehepinsmitt5665]

I'm going to try it for our camping trip next weekend I hope it's wonderful I think it will be

[@kittybeck151]

I like my macaroni soft, too! I use a similar method when I make macaroni & cheese - I let the mixture sit in the fridge overnight with extra milk, then bake it the next day with bread crumb topping - it comes out really creamy & delicious!

[@minniegibson8722]

This looks delicious. I will be making.

[@frasan917]

That’s a kind of macaroni salad I grew eating in the Philippines 🇵🇭 it’s delicious 😋!

[@albertasaullo5947]

Love all your recipes. Very easy to follow.

[@bizzyb0t]

As someone who grew up in Hawaii, this is honestly the first youtube video I've seen that gets all the elements right! The only issue I have is the type of macaroni she uses, in Hawaii we use just the plain small elbow macaroni, not that curly ridged pasta. Edit: Yes to Best Food's (Hellmann's, east of the rockies)

[@JWParkerPhDDDiv]

we in California do things very similar to Hawaii but where we deviate is we tend to add a couple more vegitables. We add olives, and sometimes sweet peppers.

[@seikibrian8641]

@saigonbond Hellmann's/Best Foods (same product with a different label depending on which side of the Rockies you live on) used to be their top pick, but they demoted it to second place in a recent testing, with Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise taking the top spot. But Blue Plate is not sold nationwide, so if you don't live in the South you may have to buy it mail-order...or just stick to Best Foods/Hellmann's.

[@bizzyb0t]

@@seikibrian8641 To be honest, I just use the Walmart Great Value Mayonnaise most of the time, can't really tell the difference. Never miracle whip, or Kraft mayo though

[@seikibrian8641]

@@bizzyb0t I agree; in most applications any good mayonnaise will work, and they aren't all that different from each other. I've tasted only a few truly awful mayos in my life, and they were all "lite," "low fat," "organic," or some other variation from normal.

[@seikibrian8641]

@saigonbond With more than 1.4 million people living in Hawaii, I'm sure there are more than a few who use some other brand of mayo, or just make their own.

[@markkidman9535]

Wow that is so similar to how we make pasta salad in Trinidad. Must be an island thing 🥰

[@zelma8]

Same with Puerto Rico!! This is very similar to how we do it. 😊

[@roxyroxieroxann]

This is my only macaroni salad. Made these a few times. Very yummy. Thanks for the recipe

[@sarwatali8384]

I will be making this recipe for the next tea party. Its so appealing ❤🎉

[@SoniaRamirez-tp6ku]

I made this pasta salad for a catered dinner for 100 people. It was a hit and I will be making this for my BBQ’s also yummy, yummy, yummy

[@imuawarriors]

I live on O'ahu. this recipe is legit. sadly though, too many 'plate lunch' and/or food truck places are not taking the time to make good Mac salad nowadays. if there is good Mac salad, it can really elevate a meal. other recipes might add: cubed potato, peas, cooked spaghetti (cut into 1 or 2 inches), and canned tuna (seasoned with vinegar & sugar)... so many varieties!

[@tinakloepfer1581]

I really like the Hawaiian mac salad made at a local Hawaiian BBQ restaurant near my home in Los Angeles. I can taste tuna but you cannot see any tuna nor detect any texture in the salad dressing. It’s magic to me! Do you know how the tuna version is made?

[@imuawarriors]

@@tinakloepfer1581 I also like Mac salads that have tuna! . I tend to find this mostly at Japanese 'okazuya' type places. there is a good one in the Windward Mall in Kaneohe, Hawai'i. as for recipes, I just typed 'Hawaiian Mac Salad with tuna' on google, and several interesting ones came up, so have fun!

[@missjo2036]

I'm not a big Mac salad fan so I'm picky on it. And so far Hawaiian Mac salad is the only one I like

[@barbaraviera9080]

Just wondering could I substitute Pineapple juice for the cider vinegar ? I was expecting to see pineapple in there ...lol

[@timhazeltine3256]

@@barbaraviera9080 No...don't add pineapple. The vinegar balances out the sweetness of the mayonnaise and milk. My mother always added a bit of sugar and grated sweet onions rather than chopped onions

[@jndking9419]

Thanks ladies, great recipe and easy.

[@karenshort3880]

Yummy. And make it with Hawaiian chicken too. Yum yum 😋

[@Its_me--Boo_Radley]

Can't wait to try this! Thank you, Natalie!

[@rufuscusack2962]

My fave Julia saying,.. "It's a looker!" Great ideas in this recipe. Can't wait to try!!

[@tessmontenegro9450]

Every time i make macaroni salad i always tossed with the left over of rotisserie chicken, so tasty.

[@johnbaptist7476]

Oh MY 😁😍 The Mac& Vegi & the chef , they are all scrumptious 😊😋😍😘❤💜🌹🌸🌷👏👏👏👏👌👍 🎯🎯🎯

[@elliebellie7816]

I've made this twice, the first time EXACTLY by the directions. We ended up with enough tasteless bland macaroni salad to feed an army. Served it with BBQ pork. Those who did comment on the taste said it tasted like vinegar. The second time I made it, I cut the recipe in half, put about 1/2 Tablespoon vinegar and 1/4 more brown sugar and crushed pineapple and everyone loved it.

[@JennyStone]

I made the same mistake of using the recipe amount of apple cider vinegar and that is pretty much all I taste 😭 is there any other way to fix it besides adding more sugar?

[@keithfreitas2983]

@@JennyStone I use regular vingar, but half the amount after I drain the macaroni in the recipe and I use 1/4th to 1/2 cup kraft mayo instead of sugar. I don't add milk. I usually add chopped boiled eggs and sometimes diced boiled russet poptato and mash half of it when I mix it up.

[@evamorris8699]

I add pineapple to mine . Fresh and cut into small bits . Wonderful !

[@karenshaw5060]

I was expecting pineapple.

[@hildahighlander2586]

I love that idea! That's exactly what I was thinking. I was so moved by this video and how delicious this sounded that I was literally making my grocery list to go out tonight, so I can make it tonight, and add the extra dressing tomorrow for a gathering tomorrow. I went and watched again and I was thinking the same thing...the pineapple in small little bites would be delicious! I think it will be delicious and I believe everyone will love it!

[@Caryl_Maria_Art]

@@hildahighlander2586 how did this turn out? i hope it was yummy!

[@erlindabrent7351]

I LOVE this macaroni salad!

[@williamparker6649]

Our family makes a similar mac salad in addition we add a bit of grated ginger. Mahalo for a great recipe🙏

[@HoosierSunshine]

Was anyone else expecting it to have pineapple in it? 😄 Definitely going to try this recipe!

[@missymitekite]

I did. And almost didn't watch the video when it was suggested. Don't want pineapple in my macaroni salad. But this looks delicious! Going to have to make it. :)

[@michaelmabrey6969]

Yes ma'am

[@danielclooney6248]

No, did not expect pineapple to be in it. I've had quite a bit in Hawaii and never had it in it.

[@justbeingme3415]

Yep and coconut milk or cream lol

[@priyasarkar6069]

Yaaaaassss….yummm

[@kimmy1984]

Great job Natalie

[@wanettahudson8375]

Th for sharing I will haven some Mac salad made like this

[@salinasucre907]

OMG I am going to try this recipe that macaroni salad looks off the hook

[@jeanmariefoy5288]

I went to college in Hawaii. Mac salad combined with their white rice was my favorite (and cheap) food. Both made separately then mixed on your plate. Still in my top 10 all time favorites along with sashimi!

[@karage1035]

Whaaaat?? With riceeee??😢

[@shellyrae9281]

I am rather perplexed, but in a good way! This is my grandma's recipe, which she handed down to my mom, and now it's mine. We've never been to Hawaii, nor have any of us known anyone from Hawaii! What the heck...?

[@charisasmith8554]

Delicious recipe!.. thank you!

[@gjpp3239]

Love that recipe, going to make, Thanks Ladies

[@tonytone5300]

My mom was from hawaii, it's weird she never cooked anything from there. She moved from there when she was in her 20's. It's nice to see some local recipes though.

[@rpowarz]

I peel my celery, sometimes using cucumbers is very good in place of celery too. Also I use at least 8 to 10 soft boiled eggs per pound of pasta.

[@mahhubbard]

Yes I was thinking more eggs, 8-10 sounds perfect.

[@peacenow4456]

CAN'T WAIT TO TRY THIS!

[@glorialopez7921]

Thank you for sharing, l will try this summer!😋

[@trumpwonbigbidenlostbig158]

Looks really good.

[@angelesdelgadillo6326]

Im making this for thanksgiving!!!!

[@markaralvin7919]

Hello Angeles

[@ps5801]

One mistake: In Hawaii, macaroni salad is always portioned with an ice cream scoop. It should go on the plate in the shape of a ball.

[@antoniapaye9090]

Great looking I will have to try it . 🎉thank you 👍😊

[@Booberry12]

Can’t wait to make this ❤️

[@soxpuff]

I am still open to having OG Hawaiian macaroni salad. Pero, I don't like mayo, if I do use it, I make a small batch at home, VERY SMALL. 2 cups of mayo sent me shivers. So I substituted it with Fage Greek yogurt, and added mustard power and grinded black pepper seeds and mustard seeds. I was worried I'd have some weird macaroni soup, but the next morning the salad was thick, creamy, with a hint of spice, and the reserved dressing is perfect 👌 to spoon over each serving. While my version is not Hawaii mac salad, I'm pleased.

[@nelliesamiri8628]

Thanks for recipe. Love it. I put les vinegar and no sugar.

[@masterofwalo]

It looks easy and delicious.. I'm looking for a pasta salad to make .. I'll try this one right now .. thank u

[@charlottebarnes6761]

Anyone complaining about this salad is just plain crazy I made this salad and everyone loved this salad it's unbelievable just great

[@sarahs7751]

Can't make everyone happy

[@ask230]

Looks great. For my personal taste though, I would sub out the celery for small diced red or green pepper. I prefer the flavor and color of the pepper, and it allows you to retain the crunch.

[@violetviolet888]

Or keep the celery (which I love) and ADD the peppers of your choice. Best of both, crunch, flavor, and color.

[@ilienjohnson7209]

Love the macaroni salads!

[@kevinhullinger8743]

I made exact recipe (cut it in half) excellent 👌🏻

[@lorimiyataki7030]

Born & raised in Hawaii, have never seen vinegar or milk incorporated in mac salad. Yes, it’s Best Foods or nothing. Salt & pepper to taste. Then you add things to your personal taste or presentation. For color and taste, options include: raw shredded carrots, a bit of blanched peas, green onions or thinly sliced Japanese cucumber. Protein options: well drained canned tuna, shredded imitation crab or drained/picked through canned crabmeat. Other things added in: tiny cubes of boiled potatoes and boiled eggs.

[@artistaloca4]

I was expecting cubed spam, diced red onion, and pineapple 😉🙄😊😂

[@CkoniaC]

Yep we dont put milk or vinegar and ive never put sugar in my mac salad. But i guess she needed to balance the vinegar she added.

[@GieCampbel-ug9jl]

Some locals have used apple cider vinegar along with the milk and mayo. So just because you don't do it that way doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

[@tinamariepayne7291]

crystel caires So far every recipe I’ve looked up on here calls for vinegar and sugar, but this is the first for milk.

[@flechandpina4804]

Thank you for sharing that, I was about to add vinegar lol

[@wty1313]

I was born and raised (Honolulu boy), and moved to the Mainland @ 35. I guess things have changed - it's been a long time, but growing up, I didn't know anyone that used milk in their mac salad.

[@starettewalker7818]

I will be making it for sure😋😋💕💕

[@veldaduffy9461]

I will definitely try it.