Zippys Mac Salad Recipe
Hey there, friends! Get ready to bring a little taste of Hawaii right to your kitchen with my take on Zippys Mac Salad Recipe! If you’ve ever been to Zippy’s in Hawaii, you know this creamy, dreamy macaroni salad is a total must-have side dish—perfect for plate lunches or just munching on its own.
I’m spilling all my secrets to recreate that island vibe at home, using stuff you can find at any grocery store across the USA. Let’s whip up this crowd-pleaser together!
Curious about the story behind Hawaiian mac salad? I love how Onolicious Hawaiʻi breaks it down—it’s a quick peek into what makes this dish such a big deal in the islands, and it might just inspire your next plate lunch!
I’ve been tweaking this recipe over the years, chatting with pals who’ve lived in Hawaii, and testing it until it feels just right. It’s simple, cozy, and packed with that signature Zippy’s flavor—think tender macaroni hugged by a creamy, tangy dressing. Whether you’re serving it up for a barbecue or a quiet night in, this mac salad is about to become your new go-to.
Ready to get started? Let’s do this!
Why You’ll Love This Zippys Mac Salad Recipe
This Zippy’s Mac Salad is pure comfort in a bowl—creamy, slightly tangy, and oh-so-satisfying.
The elbow macaroni gets cooked just past al dente, giving it that soft, plump texture that soaks up the dressing like a dream.
It’s got a little crunch from veggies and that perfect balance of richness that makes it irresistible.
I love how it pairs with everything—grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even a scoop of rice for that classic Hawaiian plate lunch feel. It’s quick to throw together, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a staple at Zippy’s. Your family and friends are going to beg for seconds!
How to Make It
Making this Zippy’s Mac Salad is a breeze, and it all starts with cooking the macaroni.
Boil those elbow noodles a bit longer than usual—think soft and fat, not mushy—then rinse them with cold water to cool them down fast.
That’s the base of this island classic, and it’s key to getting the texture just right.
While the pasta chills out, mix up the dressing—mayo, a hint of mustard, and finely grated veggies like onion and carrot for that subtle zing. Stir it all together with the cooled macaroni, season with salt and pepper, and let it sit in the fridge for a bit. That rest time lets the flavors meld into something magical.
You’ll be amazed at how tasty it gets with so little effort!
Make Ahead Method
Want to save some time with this Zippy’s Mac Salad? I’ve got your back! You can cook the macaroni a day ahead—just boil it, rinse it with cold water, and drain it well. Toss it in a container and pop it in the fridge overnight. It’ll be ready and waiting when you are.
The dressing is easy to prep early too. Grate your onion and carrot, dice the celery, and mix them with the mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Cover it up and stash it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just combine the chilled pasta and dressing, give it a good stir, and let it sit for an hour to blend. It’s like meal prep, but way more delicious!
Pro Tips
I’ve made this Zippy’s Mac Salad a bunch, and here’s what I’ve learned to nail it every time:
- Cook the pasta past al dente—you want it soft and plump so it absorbs the dressing. I usually go for 10-11 minutes with elbow macaroni.
- Use a microplane for the onion—it grates it super fine, spreading that flavor evenly without big chunks.
- Stick to Best Foods or Hellmann’s mayo—it’s what gives it that authentic Zippy’s vibe.
- Chill it before serving—an hour in the fridge makes a huge difference in taste.
- If it looks dry after sitting, stir in an extra spoonful of mayo right before serving.
One time, I rushed it and skipped the chill—big mistake! The flavors weren’t half as good. Patience is your friend here!
Storage Options
Got leftovers of this Zippy’s Mac Salad? No problem! Scoop it into an airtight container and slide it into the fridge—it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as it sits, though the pasta might soak up more dressing, so keep some extra mayo handy to freshen it up.
Freezing isn’t the best move here—the mayo doesn’t love the cold snap and can get weird when it thaws. But if you must, freeze it in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir in fresh mayo to revive it. Honestly, though, it’s so good you’ll probably polish it off before freezing even crosses your mind!
Tools For This Recipe
You don’t need much to whip up this Zippy’s Mac Salad—just some basics that make it smooth sailing. Here’s what I use:
- A medium pot—for boiling the macaroni. Something big enough to give the pasta room to move.
- A colander—to drain and rinse the pasta quickly after cooking.
- A microplane or fine grater—perfect for getting that onion and carrot super fine.
- A big mixing bowl—to toss everything together without making a mess.
- A wooden spoon—gentle enough to mix without breaking the pasta.
That’s it! Simple tools for a simply delicious dish.
FAQs!
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Sure thing! Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells or ditalini work too—just cook them soft like the original.
What if I don’t have Best Foods mayo?
You can use another brand, but Best Foods (or Hellmann’s) really nails that Zippy’s taste. Avoid super sweet mayos like Miracle Whip, though!
Is it supposed to be this creamy?
Yep, that’s the Hawaiian way! It’s mayo-heavy for that rich, luscious feel—don’t skimp.
Can I make it less rich?
Try cutting the mayo with a bit of Greek yogurt if you want a lighter vibe. It’ll still be creamy but less intense.
Variations and Substitutions
Mix up this Zippy’s Mac Salad to suit your style! Swap the carrot for shredded zucchini if you’ve got some on hand—it adds a fun twist. Feeling adventurous? Toss in a little canned tuna and chopped black olives for a heartier version—my friend swears by it for lunch.
If you like a kick, sprinkle in some cayenne or a dash of hot sauce with the dressing. You can even add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color. I once threw in some chopped pickles for a tangy punch, and it was a hit! Play around—it’s your kitchen, after all!
Wrapping Up This Zippy’s Mac Salad Goodness
There you go, folks—my take on Zippy’s Mac Salad that’s ready to bring some Hawaiian sunshine to your table! It’s creamy, comforting, and so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing this forever. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a chill night at home with your favorite mains.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—drop a comment below and tell me all about it! Did you stick to the classic or add your own flair? Share your thoughts—I’m dying to know!
Zippy’s Mac Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni half a standard box
- 1 cup Best Foods or Hellmann’s mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp white onion finely grated (with juice)
- 2 tbsp carrot finely grated
- 2 tbsp celery finely diced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Fill a medium pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Toss in the elbow macaroni and cook for 10-11 minutes—past al dente—until it’s soft and plump but not falling apart.
- Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Give it a good shake to get rid of extra water, then set it aside to cool completely.
- While the pasta cools, grab a big mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, grated onion (juice and all), grated carrot, diced celery, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Once the macaroni’s cool, dump it into the bowl with the dressing. Mix gently with a wooden spoon until every noodle’s coated—don’t overdo it or the pasta might break.
- Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This lets the flavors come together and makes it taste just like Zippy’s. Before serving, give it a quick stir and add a little more mayo if it looks dry.
