Hawaiian Potato Salad Recipe

There’s something about Hawaiian potato salad that makes it the unsung hero of every luau, BBQ, and picnic table. Creamy, slightly tangy, and loaded with layers of texture and flavor, it’s the kind of side dish that always disappears first.

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I first tried this salad during a family trip to Maui, served alongside sticky BBQ ribs and fluffy white rice. I was hooked from the first bite—the richness of mayonnaise-coated potatoes mingled with the sweetness of carrots and a hint of vinegar. Since then, it’s become a regular at our summer cookouts and even a comforting winter side dish.

Let’s dive into why this island-inspired side dish belongs on your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Potato Salad

Get ready to elevate your side dish game. This Hawaiian potato salad might just become your new favorite picnic staple.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly creamy and comforting. Thanks to a generous helping of mayonnaise and a unique technique of slightly mashing the potatoes, the result is a dreamy texture that’s smooth with just the right amount of bite.

You’ll also love how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours, making it perfect for prepping the day before your gathering.

This recipe is budget-friendly too. With just a few humble ingredients—potatoes, carrots, eggs, and pantry staples—you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

And don’t overlook how kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing it is. The familiar ingredients and creamy texture make it a hit with picky eaters and adventurous ones alike. Plus, it pairs well with just about everything from grilled meats to poke bowls.

Now let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

This Hawaiian potato salad keeps things simple, but the choice of ingredients and how you prep them makes all the difference.

Russet potatoes are the ideal choice here. They’re starchy and break down slightly when cooked, which helps create that signature creamy consistency. After boiling, they’re gently mashed to soak up all the flavor from the mayo and vinegar.

Carrots bring a subtle sweetness and a pop of color. They’re boiled until tender and then chopped finely, almost blending into the salad and adding just the right amount of texture.

Hard-boiled eggs are a staple in Hawaiian-style potato salad. They lend richness and extra creaminess when mashed into the mix. Be sure to let them cool completely before incorporating to keep the salad fresh and bright.

Mayonnaise is what ties it all together. Use a high-quality mayo, or if you want to stay authentic, opt for Japanese-style mayonnaise like Kewpie for a slightly tangier, umami-rich twist.

You’ll also need a splash of apple cider vinegar and salt and pepper to balance out the flavors. As for equipment, just have a large mixing bowl, a pot for boiling, and a potato masher or fork for gently blending the ingredients.

How To Make This Hawaiian Potato Salad

Making this Hawaiian potato salad is as easy as boil, mash, mix, and chill. Let me walk you through each step so you can nail it on the first try.

Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into medium-sized chunks. Place them in a pot of cold, salted water and bring it to a boil. Let them cook until fork-tender but not falling apart—about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly, then transfer to a large bowl.

While the potatoes are cooking, peel and dice your carrots. Boil them in a separate pot or in the same water after removing the potatoes, just until tender. You don’t want them mushy—firm-tender is perfect. Drain and set them aside to cool.

Hard-boil your eggs using your favorite method, then cool, peel, and chop them. I like to reserve one egg to slice on top for garnish, but feel free to mix them all in if you prefer it extra creamy.

Once your potatoes have cooled slightly, use a fork or potato masher to gently mash about half of them in the bowl. This creates that classic Hawaiian-style texture where mashed and chunky potatoes meet.

Now add your carrots, chopped eggs, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently, making sure the dressing coats every bit. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least 2 hours, preferably longer. This gives the flavors time to meld and intensifies the creaminess. It also firms up the texture, making it perfect for serving with grilled meats or alongside a scoop of rice.

Storage Options

Hawaiian potato salad stores beautifully, which makes it a great option for meal prep or bringing to potlucks.

In the fridge, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Just be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving, as the mayo can separate slightly over time.

Avoid freezing this salad. The texture of the potatoes and mayonnaise doesn’t hold up well once thawed, resulting in a watery, grainy mess.

If you’re prepping ahead for a gathering, you can make the salad up to a day in advance. In fact, the flavor gets better with a little time to rest.

To rehydrate leftovers that seem a bit dry, add a spoonful of mayo or a splash of milk and stir to restore creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions

What makes this Hawaiian potato salad so special is its adaptability. Here are a few ways you can tweak it to make it your own.

For a tangier version, add a teaspoon of yellow mustard or a splash more vinegar. This amps up the brightness and contrasts beautifully with the creamy mayo.

If you prefer a bit of crunch, toss in finely diced celery or sweet pickles. These add texture and a little zing that complements the softness of the potatoes.

For a lighter twist, swap part of the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream. This lowers the fat a bit and adds a subtle tang.

Not a fan of eggs? No problem. Just leave them out and add a bit more mayo to compensate for the missing creaminess.

And of course, feel free to get creative with add-ins. Some folks like chopped green onions, diced ham, or even a dash of paprika for extra flair and flavor.

No matter how you customize it, this Hawaiian potato salad is all about comfort, nostalgia, and sunshine on a plate. So don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

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