Craving that creamy, tangy, and satisfying macaroni salad from Zippy’s? This Hawaiian-style classic is rich, simple, and perfect for your next BBQ or potluck. Get ready for a taste of the islands—right from your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Zippy’s Macaroni Salad

Creamy and Comforting: Just like the local favorite from Zippy’s restaurants in Hawaii.
Simple Pantry Ingredients: No fancy ingredients needed—everything is easy to find in the U.S.
Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish: The perfect partner for BBQ plates, grilled chicken, or kalua pork.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling overnight.

How to Make Zippy’s Macaroni Salad

This recipe is all about the creamy, rich texture—so start by cooking your elbow macaroni until it’s extra soft, a little beyond al dente.

That’s the secret to Hawaiian-style macaroni salad! While the pasta is cooking, whisk together a dressing of full-fat mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of sugar for the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

Once the macaroni is cooked, toss it with a bit of the dressing while it’s still warm.

This helps the pasta absorb every bit of that creamy goodness. Let it cool, then fold in the shredded carrots, onions, and the remaining dressing.

For the best results, cover and chill the salad for several hours—overnight is even better! The flavors meld together beautifully, giving you that irresistible, creamy texture that makes this dish so iconic. 😊

Make Ahead Method

The Night Before: This salad is best when made a day ahead. Prepare the salad, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge overnight. The flavors will deepen, and the texture becomes perfectly creamy.
2 Days Ahead: If you’re prepping for a big event, cook the macaroni and shred the carrots up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Then, mix everything together a few hours before serving.
Quick Make-Ahead (3 to 4 Hours): Short on time? Make the salad at least 3 hours ahead and chill it. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Meal Prep: Store in individual airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. This salad stays fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Pro Tips for the Best Zippy’s Macaroni Salad

Use Full-Fat Mayonnaise: Hawaiian-style macaroni salad is all about richness. Best Foods or Hellmann’s mayo gives it the authentic flavor and texture.
Cook Macaroni Past Al Dente: Go a little softer than usual. The macaroni should be tender, which helps it soak up the creamy dressing.
Dress Warm Pasta: Tossing the macaroni with half the dressing while it’s still warm is the secret to getting it extra creamy. The pasta absorbs the flavor better this way.
Let It Rest: Chill for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best. The flavors blend and create that signature taste.
Grate Carrots Finely: Use a box grater for a finer texture. It blends smoothly into the salad without overpowering it.
Balance the Flavor: A small amount of sugar is crucial. It softens the tang from the vinegar and rounds out the flavors.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing: Not recommended, as mayo-based salads don’t hold up well when frozen.
Leftovers: If the salad thickens after sitting in the fridge, stir in a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.

Tools For This Recipe

Large Pot: For boiling the macaroni.
Colander: For draining pasta.
Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for mixing and one smaller for making the dressing.
Whisk: For blending the dressing until smooth.
Box Grater: For shredding carrots finely.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in your ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, but elbow macaroni is traditional and gives the best texture for this salad.

Can I lighten this recipe?
You can use light mayo, but the full-fat version is what gives the salad its classic creamy texture.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
White vinegar can work, but apple cider vinegar gives a more balanced tang.

How long does it last in the fridge?
About 4 days in an airtight container. Just give it a stir before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Protein: Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs or shredded chicken for a heartier salad.
More Crunch: Add diced celery or sweet onions for a refreshing bite.
Make it Spicy: A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free macaroni. The dressing and veggies stay the same.

Final Thoughts: Share Your Island Vibes!

There’s something special about Hawaiian-style macaroni salad—it’s creamy, comforting, and pairs with everything from BBQ chicken to fresh seafood. Plus, it’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.

If you make this Zippy’s-style macaroni salad, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you keep it classic or add your own twist? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I can’t wait to hear from you! 😊

Zippy's Macaroni Salad (Hawaiian-Style)

Creamy, tangy, and classic Hawaiian-style macaroni salad, just like Zippy’s!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Chilling Time (recommended overnight for best flavor) 3

Total Time 3 25

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Hawaiian-American

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni cooked soft, not al dente
1 1/4 cups full-fat mayonnaise Best Foods or Hellmann’s preferred
1/4 cup whole milk plus more if needed
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 cup finely shredded carrots
2 tablespoons finely grated onion optional
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until it is soft and tender, about 2 minutes longer than the package recommends for al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside, but keep it slightly warm.

Make the Dressing:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, whole milk, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing—it should be slightly sweet and tangy. Adjust if needed.

Coat the Warm Macaroni:

Add the warm macaroni to the bowl and toss with half of the dressing. The warmth of the pasta helps absorb the dressing, giving the salad its signature creamy texture. Stir gently until well coated.

Add the Vegetables:

Fold in the shredded carrots and finely grated onion. The carrots add a subtle sweetness and crunch, while the onion adds a mild sharpness. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

Add Remaining Dressing:

Pour in the rest of the dressing and gently stir. The salad should look creamy, but not soupy. It will thicken up as it chills.

Chill and Rest:

Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours—overnight is even better. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and creates the creamy, flavorful texture that makes this salad so iconic.

Serve and Adjust:

Before serving, give the salad a stir. If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk and stir again. Taste and season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 250mg

Zippy’s Macaroni Salad Recipe