Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad is a deliciously creamy and comforting side dish that’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals. This homemade recipe blends tender macaroni with a savory mayo-based dressing and subtle hints of sweet vinegar and soy sauce. The texture is rich and velvety, yet light and fresh, making it an easy crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss. Pair it with my popular pulled pork sliders for a true Hawaiian-inspired meal that everyone will love.
Why You'll Love Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
Discover the easy, homemade Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad recipe. Perfectly creamy and flavorful, this iconic side dish is a family-friendly favorite!
- Authentic island flavors with a creamy, tangy dressing
- Simple ingredients using pantry staples
- Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes
- Perfect as a BBQ side or quick family meal
Ingredients for Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
Macaroni: Use elbow macaroni for the best texture. Small shells or rotini also work well.Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayo for creaminess; light mayo can be used to reduce calories but will be less rich.Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; you can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free milk for a lighter or vegan version.Apple cider vinegar & Soy sauce: These provide the classic Hawaiian tang and umami; substitute rice vinegar if needed.
- Macaroni: Use elbow macaroni for the best texture. Small shells or rotini also work well.
- Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayo for creaminess; light mayo can be used to reduce calories but will be less rich.
- Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; you can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free milk for a lighter or vegan version.
- Apple cider vinegar & Soy sauce: These provide the classic Hawaiian tang and umami; substitute rice vinegar if needed.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool. Drain well.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (and Dijon mustard if using) until smooth and creamy.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Combine salad: Add the cooled macaroni, chopped onion, and optional chopped hard-boiled eggs into the dressing. Toss until pasta is thoroughly coated.
Expert Tips for Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
- Do not overcook the macaroni to prevent mushy texture.
- Rinsing pasta stops cooking and cools it for salad assembly.
- Add a splash of extra vinegar if the salad tastes too bland after chilling.
Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
Discover the easy, homemade Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad recipe. Perfectly creamy and flavorful, this iconic side dish is a family-friendly favorite!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for tang)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Paprika sprinkle
Instructions
How to Make Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool. Drain well.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (and Dijon mustard if using) until smooth and creamy.
- Combine salad: Add the cooled macaroni, chopped onion, and optional chopped hard-boiled eggs into the dressing. Toss until pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Stir before serving and garnish with chopped green onions and paprika if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food FAQs
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld beautifully.
You can try plain Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo if you want a lighter or dairy-free option, but the texture and taste will differ slightly.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving as some dressing separation is normal.
This usually happens if the pasta is overcooked or not rinsed well after boiling. Always cook to al dente and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Before You Go
If you try this Ono Hawaiian BBQ Macaroni Salad Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.