This ham pasta salad is loaded with pineapple and veggies. It’s a refreshing play on my favorite Hawaiian pizza flavors (which aren’t actually Hawaiian at all)!
A quick and easy homemade pineapple dressing is mixed with pasta, ham and peppers for a uniquely delicious side dish!
It’s perfect for potluck and makes a great side dish or light meal.
A fresh and aromatic pasta salad
If you’re looking for a pasta salad with a difference, then this Ham Pasta Salad is for you!
- pasta -Use all medium-sized pasta, farfalle, clams and rotini are favorites.
- add-ins: Ham and pineapple are the stars in this easy recipe, inspired by the flavors of a Hawaiian pizza. Red bell peppers add crunch and color, while spring onions add flavor.
- The dressing is a quick, creamy pineapple dressing and it’s so good I always double it for salads (it’s also great with a strawberry and spinach salad).
This recipe is not a hawaiian dish, and it’s not a Hawaiian pasta salad like a macaroni salad found on a typical Hawaiian plate for lunch. At a Hawaiian lunch, macaroni salad is generally a flavorful combination of mayonnaise and macaroni, sometimes with a few other ingredients. There is a great Hawaiian macaroni salad here.
The pineapple dressing
You can use almost any dressing for pasta salad. This recipe includes a fresh and savory pineapple dressing. Making homemade dressing is very quick and easy, And the taste is way better than store bought dressing.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream form the creamy base
- Pineapple (and some apple cider vinegar) add flavor and freshness
- Dijon and garlic powder add flavor while honey balances the dressing.
Tips for pasta salads
- Don’t overcook the noodles, they will soften as they soak up the dressing.
- Add additional dressing as some of it will be absorbed by the noodles.
- Pasta salad is best prepared at least a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
- Generously season the salad.
Perfect pasta salads
Did your family love this Ham and Pineapple Pasta Salad? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Pasta salad with ham and pineapple
Ham and Pineapple Pasta Salad is a quick and easy side dish. Homemade pineapple dressing is mixed with pasta, ham and peppers for a uniquely delicious salad!
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In a large pot, cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain the noodles and run them under cold water to cool.
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In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing until smooth.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ham, pineapple, peppers, scallions, and dressing. Stir gently to combine.
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Place the pasta salad in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
Customize the salad by adding your favorite toppings like cherry tomatoes, extra peppers, or cucumbers.
Don’t overcook the noodles, they will soften as they soak up the dressing. Add additional dressing as some of it will be absorbed by the noodles.
Calories: 241 | Carbohydrates: 23G | Protein: 7G | Fat: 13G | Saturated Fatty Acids: 2G | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 489mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 1G | Sugar: 13G | Vitamin A: 570IU | Vitamin C: 26.9mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.9mg
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on cooking method and brand of ingredients used.
course Pasta, salad, side dish
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