Hawaiian Potato Salad Recipe

Aloha The Best Hawaiian Potato Salad Recipe for Island Flavor

Summers sizzle with the vibrant flavors of hawaiian potato salad, a creamy and tantalizing side dish that captures island spirit.

Potatoes take center stage in this delightful recipe, blending local ingredients with classic comfort.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through tropical textures and zesty seasonings.

Crisp vegetables and smooth dressing dance together, creating a melody of taste that brightens any gathering.

The blend of mayonnaise, sweet relish, and tender potatoes delivers a refreshing twist on traditional potato salad.

Fresh herbs and a hint of local seasoning elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Serve this crowd-pleasing salad and watch as your guests request seconds.

Why Hawaiian Potato Salad Is a Cookout Favorite

  • Breeze Through Preparation: This Hawaiian potato salad comes together with simple steps and minimal cooking, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with familiar ingredients like eggs, carrots, and macaroni, the recipe offers a delightful twist on classic potato salad that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Great for summer picnics, potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings, this dish travels well and can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
  • Flavor-Packed Goodness: The combination of mayo, vinegar, and mustard creates a tangy dressing that elevates the traditional potato salad, giving it a Hawaiian-inspired zesty kick.

Hawaiian Potato Salad Ingredient Checklist

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy tubers that provide a hearty base for the salad.
  • Macaroni: Pasta that adds texture and substance to the Hawaiian-style potato salad.
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy binding ingredient that brings all flavors together.
Vegetables:
  • Carrot, Celery, Onion: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, color, and depth of flavor to the salad.
Seasoning and Binding:
  • Vinegar, Mustard, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste and help balance the creamy texture of the salad.
  • Eggs: Protein-rich ingredient that adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.

Easy Steps for a Creamy Hawaiian Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil Potatoes

Place potatoes in salted water and cook until they’re soft and easily pierced with a fork, which takes about 10-12 minutes.

Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Cook Macaroni

Follow the package instructions to cook macaroni.

Once done, drain and allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature.

Step 3: Create Creamy Dressing

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • White vinegar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to the creamy dressing:
  • Cooled potatoes
  • Cooled macaroni
  • Chopped hard-boiled eggs
  • Shredded carrots
  • Diced celery
  • Finely chopped onions

Step 5: Gently Mix Salad

Carefully fold all ingredients together, ensuring everything gets evenly coated with the creamy dressing without breaking the potatoes or compressing the ingredients.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the potato salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld together.

The longer it chills, the more delicious it becomes.

Serve cold as a perfect side dish for summer gatherings or barbecues.

Tips for Sweet, Creamy Potato Salad

  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet for a creamier, more authentic Hawaiian-style potato salad.
  • Spread potatoes and macaroni on a baking sheet to cool faster and prevent overcooking.
  • Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator overnight to allow ingredients to blend and develop richer taste.
  • Adjust mayo quantity based on desired consistency, adding more for extra smoothness or less for a lighter version.
  • Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise for dietary restrictions while maintaining creamy texture.

Mix-Ins and Variations for Hawaiian Potato Salad

  • Vegan Potato Delight: Replace mayo with vegan mayonnaise, eggs with mashed tofu, and use plant-based pasta for a dairy-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Hawaiian Salad: Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Remix: Substitute potatoes and macaroni with riced cauliflower, keep the same dressing and vegetable mix for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
  • Protein-Packed Power Salad: Add grilled chicken or canned tuna, increase egg quantity, and include diced ham for extra protein boost.

Serving Up Hawaiian Potato Salad

  • Island Beach Picnic Pairing: Serve this creamy potato salad alongside grilled pineapple-glazed chicken or fresh fish for a true Hawaiian-inspired meal that captures tropical flavors.
  • Barbecue Side Delight: Perfect companion for summer grilling events, this potato salad complements pulled pork, hamburgers, and hot dogs with its tangy and rich texture.
  • Potluck Party Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where guests will love its colorful mix of vegetables and smooth, creamy dressing that pairs well with multiple main courses.
  • Lunch Box Favorite: Pack this potato salad in individual containers for a satisfying midday meal that stays fresh and tasty, providing a balanced and nutritious lunch option.

Storing Hawaiian Potato Salad to Keep It Fresh

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep the salad cold to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Not recommended due to mayo-based dressing. Potatoes and eggs become watery and lose texture when thawed.
  • Divide into smaller containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick side dishes during the week.
  • Stir gently and add a small splash of mayo or vinegar to revive the salad's creamy consistency if it seems dry after refrigeration.

FAQs

  • Is Hawaiian potato salad different from regular potato salad?

Hawaiian potato salad has unique ingredients like mac noodles and extra vegetables, making it more hearty and colorful compared to traditional potato salads.

  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad tastes better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to blend and develop more depth in the refrigerator.

  • How long will this potato salad stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad remains fresh for 3-4 days without losing its texture or taste.

  • What makes Hawaiian potato salad unique?

The addition of macaroni noodles and extra vegetables like carrots and celery creates a more substantial and flavorful side dish with a distinct island-inspired twist.

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Hawaiian Potato Salad Recipe

Hawaiian Potato Salad Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hawaiian potato salad brings tropical sunshine to classic comfort cuisine, blending creamy textures with sweet pineapple and rich mayonnaise. Cool island flavors dance through each delightful bite, inviting you to savor summer’s most delectable side dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Starch:

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni

Vegetables and Eggs:

  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion

Dressing and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) yellow mustard
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Submerge whole potatoes in generously salted water, simmering for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender without becoming mushy.
  2. Simultaneously cook macaroni in separate pot according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process.
  3. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, tangy vinegar, zesty mustard, and season with salt and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
  4. Dice cooled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs into uniform, bite-sized cubes for consistent texture throughout the salad.
  5. Finely mince carrot, celery, and onion to distribute crisp vegetable flavors evenly across the salad mixture.
  6. Gently fold potatoes, macaroni, eggs, and chopped vegetables into the creamy dressing, carefully coating each ingredient without breaking delicate components.
  7. Refrigerate the Hawaiian potato salad for minimum 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop a harmonious taste profile before serving chilled.

Notes

  • Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamy, firm texture that holds up well in the salad.
  • Slightly undercook macaroni to prevent mushiness when mixed with other ingredients, ensuring a pleasant al dente bite.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
  • Consider adding diced pineapple for an authentic Hawaiian twist, bringing a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory elements.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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