Fresh Hawaiian Pasta Salad
A quick and easy pasta salad combining sweet pineapple and smoky ham with a creamy dressing, perfect for warm weather and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (preferably smoked)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well to avoid watery salad.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Add the cooled pasta, 1 cup diced smoked ham, and 1 cup pineapple chunks to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly without breaking the pasta.
- If using, stir in chopped green onions or parsley for freshness and color.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.
Notes
Drain pineapple well to avoid sogginess. Cool pasta thoroughly under cold water to prevent wilting other ingredients. Toss gently to keep pasta shape intact. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. May substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing or mashed avocado for dairy-free option. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Hawaiian pasta salad, pineapple pasta salad, ham pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe