Hawaiian Potato Salad Recipe

Sunny Island Magic: Hawaiian Potato Salad Recipe Bursting with Aloha

Tropical vibes dance through this Hawaiian potato salad, bringing island-inspired flavors to your summer table.

Crisp vegetables and tender potatoes create a delightful melody of textures and tastes.

Creamy dressings mingle with sweet and tangy ingredients, promising a memorable side dish.

Local ingredients blend seamlessly, capturing the essence of pacific cuisine.

Chunky potatoes absorb rich, zesty seasonings that spark excitement with every bite.

Colorful and inviting, this recipe celebrates fresh ingredients and simple culinary joy.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible island-style classic.

Storage Tips for Hawaiian Potato Salad

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the potato salad cold and fresh in the fridge.
  • Not recommended due to mayo-based dressing, which can separate and lose texture when thawed.
  • Pack leftovers in small sealed containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or picnics.
  • If slightly dry after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of fresh mayo to restore creamy consistency before serving.

FAQs

  • What makes Hawaiian potato salad different from traditional potato salad?

Hawaiian potato salad includes sweet, tangy pineapple chunks that add a unique tropical twist to the classic recipe, giving it a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from standard versions.

  • Can I use fresh or canned pineapple for this recipe?

You can use either fresh or canned pineapple. If using canned, make sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the salad. Fresh pineapple provides a brighter, more vibrant taste.

  • Is this potato salad considered a good potluck dish?

Absolutely! Hawaiian potato salad is perfect for potlucks and gatherings because it’s easy to make ahead of time, travels well, and offers a refreshing, crowd-pleasing flavor that appeals to many people.

What Makes Hawaiian Potato Salad Special

  • Savor Tropical Fusion: Enjoy a delightful blend of classic potato salad with sweet Hawaiian-inspired pineapple, creating a unique flavor profile that surprises and delights taste buds.
  • Whip Up with Ease: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a crowd-pleasing side dish.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, barbecues, and picnics where guests appreciate a fresh twist on traditional potato salad.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Comes together quickly with simple steps like boiling potatoes and mixing ingredients, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your event.

Everything Needed for Hawaiian Potato Salad

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy base that provides hearty texture and flavor for the salad.
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy binding agent that adds richness and helps coat the ingredients.
  • Sour Cream: Tangy dairy component that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Produce:
  • Pineapple: Sweet tropical fruit that brings a signature Hawaiian twist to the potato salad.
  • Celery: Crunchy vegetable that adds fresh texture and mild flavor.
  • Green Onions: Provides a mild onion flavor and bright green color for garnish.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Salt, Pepper, Mustard: Seasoning and binding ingredients that contribute to the salad's balanced taste and creamy consistency.

How to Prepare Hawaiian Potato Salad

Step 1: Prep Potatoes for Boiling

Wash potatoes thoroughly.

Place them in a large pot of cold water, ensuring they’re completely submerged.

Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat and cook until potatoes are soft enough to pierce easily with a fork, typically around 10-12 minutes.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dressing

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Salad Components

Drain boiled potatoes and allow them to cool completely.

Chop potatoes into bite-sized cubes.

Add to the creamy dressing:
  • Cooled potato cubes
  • Crushed pineapple
  • Chopped hard-boiled eggs
  • Diced celery
  • Sliced green onions

Gently fold all ingredients, ensuring everything gets evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Transfer potato salad to a sealed container.

Refrigerate for at least one hour to let flavors meld together.

Serve chilled as a delightful side dish perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks.

Helpful Tips for Hawaiian Potato Salad

  • Boil potatoes just until fork-tender, avoiding overcooking to maintain a firm texture.
  • Let potatoes cool entirely before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
  • Adjust pineapple amount based on preference, ensuring it complements the creamy dressing.
  • Consider adding a dash of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of paprika for extra zest.
  • Prepare the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Different Takes on Hawaiian Potato Salad

  • Tropical Vegan Remix: Replace mayo with vegan aioli, use tofu instead of eggs, and add diced mango for extra sweetness.
  • Low-Carb Island Style: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, keep pineapple, and use Greek yogurt for a protein-packed version.
  • Gluten-Free Luau Salad: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use grain-free mustard, and add crispy bacon bits for crunch.
  • Spicy Polynesian Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños, use sriracha mayo, and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for heat lovers.

Serving Ideas for Hawaiian Potato Salad

  • Tropical Luau Platter: Serve alongside grilled teriyaki chicken or kalua pork for an authentic Hawaiian-inspired meal that brings island flavors to your table.
  • Beach Picnic Partner: Pack this chilled salad in a cooler for outdoor gatherings, beach days, or summer potlucks where refreshing side dishes shine.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top with diced ham or crispy bacon bits to add extra protein and create a more substantial dish that satisfies hearty appetites.
  • Garnish Glow: Sprinkle chopped macadamia nuts or fresh cilantro on top for a crunchy texture and vibrant pop of color that elevates the presentation.
Print
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Hawaiian Potato Salad Recipe

Hawaiian Potato Salad Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hawaiian potato salad brings Caribbean and Pacific island flavors together in a creamy, zesty side dish. Pineapple, sweet onions, and mayo create a tropical twist you’ll crave at summer gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) crushed pineapple, drained

Creamy Base:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Crunchy Additions:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Submerge whole potatoes in salted water and cook at medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.
  2. Drain potatoes and allow to cool completely at room temperature, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  3. Create a creamy dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, salt, and ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  4. Dice cooled potatoes into uniform bite-sized cubes to ensure consistent texture throughout the salad.
  5. Chop hard-boiled eggs, fresh celery, and green onions into small, even pieces.
  6. Drain canned pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess liquid in the salad.
  7. Gently fold potatoes, pineapple, eggs, celery, and green onions into the prepared dressing, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated without breaking the potato pieces.
  8. Transfer the potato salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and develop.
  9. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • Let potatoes cool completely before mixing to prevent a mushy texture and maintain their shape.
  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess liquid making the salad watery.
  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayo to reduce calories and add protein.
  • Consider adding diced ham or bacon for extra flavor and protein, making it more substantial for a main dish option.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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