Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad Recipe [Original Restaurant Like at Home]

I had Hawaiian Bros macaroni salad recipe on my plate for the first time yesterday, and I still can’t stop thinking about it. I’m literally eating leftovers right now, and it’s nothing like the usual pasta salads I’ve had before. No carrots, no sharp vinegar taste—just creamy, smooth, and what almost feels like a buttery cheese sauce that clings to every bite.

What’s next? I have decided to make copycat of hawaiian bros macaroni salad for my kids.

So, I opened my fridge and grab the packet of macaroni pasta and thought, “why not try to make the copycat version of this?”

It’s simple, but it hits in a way that makes you wonder how something so basic can taste so good. If you love comfort food that feels both familiar and new, you need to try making this at home.

What Kind Of Mayo and Seasonings Does The Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad Use?

Hawaiian Bros macaroni salad typically uses Best Foods or Hellmann’s mayonnaise for the dressing, which is known for its creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor.

For seasonings, you need salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. The vinegar adds a small tang that balances the creamy dressing. Grated yellow onion also blends into the dressing, giving flavor without big onion chunks.

What Is In Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad (Ingredients)

• 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta – I cook it softer than al dente so the noodles can really soak up the creamy dressing and hold all that flavor.
• 2 cups mayonnaise – I always stick with full-fat mayo because it gives that rich, silky taste you just can’t fake with light or low-fat versions.
• 1 cup whole milk – A splash of whole milk makes the dressing smoother, helps thin it out, and lets the pasta absorb every bit of creaminess.
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar – Just the right tang to cut through the mayo, balancing the sweet and creamy flavors without making it taste too sharp.
• 2 tablespoons grated yellow onion – I grate it super fine so it blends right in with the sauce, adding flavor without leaving big onion chunks behind.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar – A spoonful of brown sugar makes a world of difference, giving the salad a mild sweetness that rounds out the vinegar.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Salt might seem simple, but it pulls all the flavors together and keeps the salad from tasting flat or one-dimensional.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – A shake of black pepper adds just enough bite to balance the creamy dressing without overpowering the soft pasta.
• 5 green onions, thinly sliced – I like using both the white and green parts because they add color, crunch, and a fresh bite to the salad.

How To Make Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until tender (slightly softer than al dente works best for this salad). Drain the pasta thoroughly, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake off any excess water.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, whole milk, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the grated yellow onion, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and the dressing looks creamy.

Step 3: Add the vegetables

Stir in the sliced green onions. They’ll add a bit of freshness and mild crunch to balance the richness of the dressing.

Step 4: Combine pasta and dressing

Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl of dressing. Use a large spoon or spatula to fold everything together gently, making sure each piece of pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Chill and serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours. This resting time allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and for the salad to thicken slightly. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and taste for seasoning—add a little more salt or pepper if needed.

Tips For Making Best Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad Copycat

• Always cook the pasta softer than al dente.
• Use full-fat mayo, not light versions.
• Chill before serving for deeper flavor.
• Grate onion fine so it mixes smooth.
• Stir gently, don’t mash the pasta.

Variations & Add-Ins To Try

• Shredded Carrots – Adds a pop of color and subtle crunch, giving the salad a little extra texture without overpowering the creamy dressing.
• Celery – Sliced celery adds crispness and freshness, giving each bite a gentle crunch that contrasts nicely with soft pasta.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs – Sliced or chopped eggs add protein and a mild, creamy flavor that blends well with the dressing.
• Peas – Sweet peas bring tiny bursts of sweetness and color, brightening up the salad without changing the classic taste.
• Pineapple Bits – Adds a tropical, juicy twist for those who like sweet and savory, though it’s not traditional to Hawaiian Bros.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Bros Macaroni Salad

Grilled Chicken – I love serving smoky grilled chicken alongside this salad. The tender, slightly charred meat mixes well with the creamy pasta and gives the plate a satisfying, homey feel.

Kalua Pork – The salty, soft kalua pork melts in your mouth and pairs beautifully with the smooth, buttery salad. Every bite feels balanced and comforting, just like a proper Hawaiian plate lunch.

Teriyaki Beef – Sweet and savory teriyaki beef adds a punch of flavor. The rich sauce matches the mild salad perfectly, making each forkful a little bite of happiness.

Fried Fish – Crispy fried fish adds texture and flavor. The crunch contrasts with the creamy macaroni, and the combination feels simple, fun, and easy to enjoy anytime.

Steamed Rice – Plain steamed rice rounds out the plate. It’s soft, filling, and gives you a neutral base that lets the salad and proteins shine.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat mayo?

You can, but I don’t suggest it. Low-fat mayo changes the flavor and texture. Full-fat mayo makes it creamy, rich, and closer to the original Hawaiian Bros taste.

How long does it last in the fridge?

This macaroni salad will last about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. Stir before serving because the dressing may thicken.

Do I need to rinse the pasta?

Its not mandatory at all but Rinsing cools it down and removes starch so it won’t stick together. It also helps the dressing stick better.

What makes Hawaiian Bros macaroni salad different?

The mix of soft pasta, full-fat mayo, apple cider vinegar, and sugar gives it a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. That combo makes it stand out from other pasta salads.

Thanks for hanging out with me while we made this Hawaiian Bros macaroni salad recipe. I hope you give it a try and taste how creamy, soft, and just slightly sweet it really is.

It’s simple, comforting, and hits that buttery, island-style flavor without any fuss. Cook the pasta, mix the dressing, let it chill, and watch the flavors come together.

When you try it, drop a comment to tell me how yours turned out, if you added any twist, and what you served it with. I love hearing your take.