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Creamy Hawaiian Pasta Salad with Pineapple and Ham

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A quick and easy creamy pasta salad combining sweet pineapple, savory ham, and a tangy mayo-based dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta (substitute penne or fusilli if needed)
  • 1 ½ cups (225 grams) deli ham, diced (preferably smoky ham)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) pineapple chunks, drained (canned or fresh)
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or Duke’s recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ cup celery, finely chopped
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 3–4 green onions, sliced thin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
  3. While pasta cools, mix together ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon honey in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  4. Dice 1 ½ cups (225 grams) deli ham into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop ½ cup celery, dice ½ cup red bell pepper, and slice 3-4 green onions thinly. Drain 1 cup (240 ml) pineapple chunks thoroughly.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, ham, pineapple, celery, bell pepper, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the top.
  6. Gently mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, stir gently, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best to prevent mushiness after chilling. Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid watery dressing. Use rotini or fusilli pasta to hold dressing better. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Adjust salt carefully if ham is salty. May substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter or dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, Hawaiian pasta salad, pineapple ham salad, quick pasta salad, potluck recipe, picnic salad

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/creamy-hawaiian-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-pineapple-ham-dish/