Gluten Free Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
A creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy Hawaiian-style macaroni salad made gluten-free! This simple recipe is perfect for BBQs, family dinners, and meal prep. It uses pantry ingredients and comes together with very little effort — exactly the kind of recipe busy moms need.
Traditional Hawaiian mac salad is known for its simple combination of macaroni, mayonaisse, carrot, and a touch of sweetness for balance.
Gluten Free Hawaiian Macaroni Salad a Creamy Classic
Gluten-Free Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones everyone remembers. This Gluten-Free Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is creamy, slightly sweet, and incredibly comforting. It is the perfect side dish for BBQ nights, easy family dinners, and summer gatherings when you want something reliable that everyone will enjoy.
Traditional Hawaiian-style macaroni salad is known for its soft texture and simple dressing made with mayonnaise, a touch of sweetness, and finely shredded vegetables. This version keeps that classic flavor while using gluten-free pasta so more families can enjoy it together.
It is one of those recipes that tastes even better after it chills, making it a wonderful make-ahead option for busy weeks. Just prepare it earlier in the day, place it in the refrigerator, and dinner feels much easier when the time comes.
Whether you are planning a backyard meal, a potluck, or simply need a dependable side dish to go with grilled chicken or sandwiches, this recipe fits beautifully into everyday life.
Gluten-Free Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Creamy, simple, and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or weekly meal prep. This classic Hawaiian-style macaroni salad is lightly sweet, tangy, and completely gluten-free.
- Total Time4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield10 1x
- DietGlutenFreeDiet
Ingredients
- Salad
- 1 lb gluten-free elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 carrots, finely shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
Dressing
- 2 cups mayonnaise (gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta
Cook gluten-free macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and place in a large bowl. - Add flavor while warm
Sprinkle apple cider vinegar over warm pasta. Add shredded carrots and green onions. Stir gently and allow to cool for about 15 minutes. - Mix dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. - Combine
Fold dressing into pasta mixture until evenly coated. - Chill
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving. Stir before serving.
Notes
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If the salad thickens, stir in 1–2 tablespoons milk before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Additional Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 0 hours
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 504
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 323
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 32
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 21
Why Families Love This Recipe:
• simple ingredients that are easy to find
• naturally gluten-free
• budget-friendly
• great for meal prep
• kid-friendly flavor
• perfect for gatherings
• pairs well with many main dishes
The texture is creamy without being heavy, and the gentle sweetness balances the tang from the vinegar. The finely shredded carrots add color and just a little texture, creating the classic feel many people associate with Hawaiian plate lunches.
ngredient Tips
Gluten-free pasta:
Different brands cook differently, so check the pasta a minute early to prevent overcooking. A slightly soft texture works well for this traditional style salad.
Mayonnaise:
Use your favorite gluten-free mayonnaise. A full-fat version gives the most authentic creamy texture.
Carrots:
Finely shredding the carrots helps them blend smoothly into the salad, creating the traditional soft texture.
Apple cider vinegar:
Adding vinegar to warm pasta allows the noodles to absorb flavor before the dressing is added.
When to serve Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This recipe works well for many occasions:
• summer BBQ meals
• family dinners
• potluck gatherings
• picnics
• holiday weekends
• easy weekly meal prep
It pairs especially well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or simple roasted vegetables.
Make it your own
You can easily adjust this recipe depending on what you have available:
• add diced celery for crunch
• mix in diced ham for extra protein
• include pineapple tidbits for sweetness
• substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version
Small adjustments allow the recipe to fit your family’s preferences while still keeping the familiar creamy flavor.
Thank you for this recipe. I’m going to use it the next time I have company over. I have recently started gluten-free eating, so I’m grateful for these types of recipes.
We have a Hawaiian bbq place in our neighborhood and we have never been-will have to try this! I also have a set of nesting glass bowls and I use them all-the-time! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Sounds yummy!
Looks so delicious! And, it has apple cider vinegar!
It is not a particularly spicy or flavor-filled recipe, it is just macaroni salad. Gluten pasta takes some getting use to as well. Everyone has an opinion and I value anyone who leaves a comment. I like the refular pasta, I now mostly eat organic pasta instead of gluten-free
I love this recipe. I’ve made it many times, it’s my go-to recipe for summer potlucks. You just need to find the gf elbows you like best…all the brands taste a little different. It goes very well with homemade gf mochiko chicken.
Thank you Bethany! Would love to hear what brand of gluten free pasta you use. Would be super helpful to know.