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Fresh Hawaiian Pasta Salad Recipe with Ham Pineapple Cheddar

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A quick and easy pasta salad combining tangy pineapple, salty ham, and creamy cheddar with a light, tangy dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or spiral pasta (tri-color pasta adds a festive touch)
  • 1 cup cooked ham, diced (thick-cut is best for texture)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (canned works in a pinch, drained well)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded (small-curd for creaminess)
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh chopped parsley or green onions, toasted macadamia nuts or chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly. Set aside to drain thoroughly for 5 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, dice 1 cup of cooked ham into bite-sized cubes. Chop ½ cup red bell pepper and finely mince ¼ cup red onion. Cut fresh pineapple into 1-inch chunks if using fresh. Grate or cube 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ham, pineapple, cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the pineapple chunks.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top and add toasted nuts if desired.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and keep pasta firm. Adjust dressing sweetness or tanginess to taste. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. For vegetarian or vegan options, substitute ham with extra cheese or roasted vegetables and use dairy-free cheddar and vegan mayo. Toss salad gently to avoid mashing pineapple. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days. Add fresh pineapple or herbs before serving leftovers to refresh flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian pasta salad, ham pasta salad, pineapple pasta salad, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, cheddar pasta salad, quick pasta salad

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/fresh-hawaiian-pasta-salad-recipe-with-ham-pineapple-cheddar-easy-perfect-summer-side/