Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Hawaiian Pasta Salad is a fun, flavorful dish that blends tropical sweetness with savory ingredients. This vibrant pasta salad combines juicy pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and tender ham, all tossed in a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, pineapple juice, and apple cider vinegar. It’s the perfect dish to serve at potlucks, barbecues, or as a side for any summer meal. The sweet and tangy flavors will transport you straight to the tropics, while the crunch of fresh veggies adds a satisfying texture. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or just want to bring a little sunshine to your meal, Hawaiian Pasta Salad delivers all the right elements for a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also highly customizable. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. The addition of optional ham adds a savory touch, while the sweet pineapple keeps things fresh and vibrant. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish comes together quickly, making it an excellent option for last-minute gatherings or meal prepping for the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tropical Flavors: The combination of pineapple, ham, and vibrant vegetables brings a taste of the tropics to your table.
2. Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare and comes together in just a few easy steps.
3. Customizable: Add or remove ingredients based on your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.
4. Perfect for Gatherings: Hawaiian Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
5. Light and Refreshing: The balance of sweet pineapple, tangy dressing, and crunchy veggies makes for a light and satisfying side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 1 cup pineapple, diced
• 1 cup ham, diced (optional)
• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup carrot, grated/shredded
• 1/4 cup red onion, grated
• 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

Vegetarian Version

Omit the ham to make this dish vegetarian. You can also substitute the ham with a plant-based protein, like tofu or chickpeas, for added texture and protein.

Add More Veggies

Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like cucumbers, peas, or celery to increase the crunch and flavor profile of the salad.

Spice It Up

For a spicy twist, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing.

Use Different Pasta

While any type of pasta works well, you can use a whole-grain or vegetable-based pasta for a healthier variation.

Make It Dairy-Free

Substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free option like vegan mayo, and ensure the pasta is also gluten-free if needed.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta quickly and prevent it from sticking together.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables and other ingredients. Dice the pineapple, ham (if using), and red bell pepper. Grate the carrot and red onion, and slice the green onions.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the diced pineapple, ham (optional), red bell pepper, grated carrot, red onion, and green onions.

Step 4

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 6

Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Serve chilled and garnish with additional green onions or pineapple if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Salad: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes will help the flavors blend together, making the salad even more delicious.
• Taste and Adjust: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sweetness or acidity of the dressing by adding more pineapple juice, vinegar, or sugar.
• Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives the salad a bright, tangy flavor, but canned pineapple can be used as a substitute. Just be sure to drain it well.
• Pasta Substitution: If you’re using gluten-free pasta, make sure to cook it al dente, as gluten-free pasta can become too soft if overcooked.

How to Serve

Hawaiian Pasta Salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or even as a light standalone meal. Serve it alongside barbecued chicken, ribs, or burgers, or take it to a summer picnic for a crowd-pleasing dish. It also works beautifully as a side for tropical-themed dinners or potluck gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can get a bit drier over time, so you might want to add a little extra mayo or pineapple juice when serving leftovers.

Freezing

We do not recommend freezing this pasta salad as the texture of the vegetables and dressing may change when thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply enjoy it straight from the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Bowties, rotini, or penne work well in this salad.

2. Can I make this salad without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo alternative for a lighter version of the dressing.

3. Can I prepare this salad the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to develop and blend together, making it even tastier.

4. Can I add chicken or shrimp to this salad?

Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp would be excellent additions to make the salad more substantial.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or salad mixture.

6. Can I use a different fruit instead of pineapple?

You can substitute the pineapple with other tropical fruits such as mango or papaya for a different flavor profile.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

8. Can I make this salad without the sugar?

Yes, the sugar is optional. If you prefer a less sweet salad, you can skip it.

9. Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the ingredients may change upon thawing.

10. How do I make the salad creamier?

To make the salad creamier, add a little more mayonnaise or substitute some of the mayo with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Pasta Salad is a deliciously tropical and refreshing dish that brings together sweet pineapple, savory ham, and vibrant vegetables in a creamy dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for any summer meal or gathering and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. With its bright flavors and easy preparation, Hawaiian Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or picnic!

Print