Hawaiian Pasta Salad Recipe
Hawaiian Pasta Salad Recipe
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Hawaiian Pasta Salad Recipe
This Hawaiian Pasta Salad recipe is a delightful blend of vibrant flavors, featuring pasta, ham, pineapple, bell peppers, and a creamy dressing. It’s an easy and refreshing dish perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. With its tropical flavors and creamy texture, this pasta salad is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. Make it ahead of time and enjoy the convenience of a ready to serve dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Description
This Hawaiian Pasta Salad recipe combines the best of both worlds sweet and savory. The pasta serves as the perfect base, absorbing the tangy yet creamy dressing, while the chunks of ham, bell peppers, and pineapple provide a satisfying crunch and tropical sweetness. The colorful ingredients not only make the dish visually appealing but also enhance the overall flavor profile.
Perfect for any occasion, this Hawaiian Pasta Salad is easy to make and versatile. You can add more vegetables, swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences, or even add grilled chicken for a heartier version. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a main meal, this pasta salad fits the bill. It’s also an ideal make ahead recipe, allowing you to prepare it in advance for a hassle free serving experience.
What makes this recipe so irresistible is the combination of its creamy dressing, which is often made with a base of mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt, with a touch of sweetness from the pineapple. The sweet and savory flavor profile makes it the perfect side dish for a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian options. Plus, the added crunch from bell peppers, celery, and onions provides a satisfying texture that balances out the creaminess of the dressing.
This recipe also makes a fantastic lunch option or a dish to bring to gatherings, where it will likely become the star of the spread. By using pre cooked pasta, it’s a fast and efficient dish that doesn’t require a lot of preparation time. The sweetness from the pineapple pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the ham, creating a harmonious flavor combination that everyone will love. And with its vibrant colors, this Hawaiian Pasta Salad is sure to stand out on your table.
With a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s customizable too;Add diced apples, raisins, or even some crispy bacon for extra layers of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a casual family meal or a festive celebration, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of rotini or elbow pasta
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add pasta, and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, honey (or pineapple juice), and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced ham, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, celery, and green onions. Toss gently to combine.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. If desired, add shredded cheddar cheese and toss to combine.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
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Hawaiian Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of rotini or elbow pasta
- 1 cup cooked ham diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1/4 cup celery chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add pasta, and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, honey (or pineapple juice), and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced ham, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, celery, and green onions. Toss gently to combine.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. If desired, add shredded cheddar cheese and toss to combine.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made up to a day ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
- Add ins: Feel free to get creative! You can add diced apples for extra sweetness, raisins, or crispy bacon for a smoky touch.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Gluten Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
- Vegan Option: Use plant based mayo and substitute the ham with a plant-based protein or more veggies for a vegan version.
