Hawaiian food is filled with magic, and one of my absolute favorites is Rainbow Drive-In Hawaiian Mac Salad. Creamy and tangy with a hint of sweetness, it complements barbecue, fried chicken, or even a simple sandwich. I started preparing it at home simply because I couldn’t get enough of that original island flavor, and believe me, it is way easier than you’d think.

What is Rainbow Drive-In Hawaiian Mac Salad All About?

The Rainbow Drive-in Hawaiian Mac Salad is a popular side dish served at one of the most significant diners in Honolulu. It is a richly decadent macaroni salad made with elbow pasta, mayonnaise, shredded vegetables, and just a touch of sweet goodness. Unlike the regular mac salad, this one is softer, creamier, and Hawaiian-style addictively good.

Ingredients

Pasta

1 lb elbow macaroni
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

Dressing

2 cups mayonnaise (preferably Best Foods or Hellmann’s)
1/4 cup whole milk
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup finely diced onion
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

To Cook the Macaroni: Boil the pasta in salted water until very soft (slightly overcooked). Drain the water.
To Cool the Pasta: Allow an extra 10 minutes for the pasta to take in moisture.
To Prepare the Dressing: Sift mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
To Blend: Toss the pasta with the dressing, carrots, onions, and celery.
To Chill: Either cover it or retrieve it so it is kept in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours (overnight is better).
To Serve: Stir gently before serving, adjusting seasoning if required.

Related: Waffle House Grits Recipe

Storage Tips

Good with BBQ chicken, kalua pork, or fried fish.
Or brown bag it with rice and meat for the full Hawaiian experience.
A great crowd-pleaser for a potluck or picnic.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with BBQ chicken, kalua pork, or fried fish.
Add it to a plate lunch with rice and meat for the full Hawaiian experience.
Use as a picnic or potluck side—it’s always a hit.

Pro Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add some more mayonnaise right before serving.
You may want to add diced ham or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
Substitute light apple-cider vinegar for rice vinegar if you want a lighter vinegar flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use lighter mayonnaise?

Sure, but then it will not be that rich. Full-fat gives proper flavor.

2. Why is the pasta boiled until soft?

That is how you get the regionally famous Hawaiian-style dressing—the pasta really absorbs all the dressing.

3. Can I make Rainbow Drive-in Hawaiian Mac Salad dairy-free?

Certainly, just omit it, or use a plant-based substitute.

4. Is it sweet like American macaroni salad?

Lightly sweet, yes, but counter-balanced by vinegar for a really perfect taste.

Try It!

Rainbow Drive-in Hawaiian Mac Salad is pure comfort in a bowl. Creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough, it’s just like the classic version from Hawaii! You will want to pair it with everything from backyard BBQs to weekday dinners once you have tasted it. Mark my words, this will be an instant hit with the family.