Hawaiian Pasta Salad

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The first time I made this Hawaiian Pasta Salad, I wasn’t expecting it to disappear so quickly at the picnic table. But the combination of sweet pineapple, savory ham, and creamy dressing wrapped around tender pasta proved to be a total crowd-pleaser. There’s something magical about the way tropical and tangy flavors dance together in a chilled bowl of pasta salad. I found myself sneaking extra bites even after dinner.

What really drew me to this recipe was the simplicity. It’s easy to throw together, doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, and can be made ahead of time. It became my go-to whenever I needed a fresh and hearty side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or those laid-back summer evenings on the patio.

What sets this Hawaiian Pasta Salad apart is how well-balanced it is. The saltiness of the ham complements the sweetness of the pineapple, while the creamy dressing brings everything together without overpowering it. Each bite offers crunch from bell peppers and celery, and a chill that makes it irresistibly refreshing. I truly believe this salad will earn a permanent place in your summer rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Pasta Salad

It’s refreshing, colorful, and packed with tropical vibes—perfect for any warm-weather occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side for grilled meats or enjoying it as a main for lunch, it’s satisfying without being heavy. It also keeps well in the fridge, making it a convenient make-ahead option. This dish is a little sweet, a little savory, and every bite is creamy, juicy, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Pasta: The base of the salad. I usually go for rotini or bowtie pasta since their curves and edges hold onto the creamy dressing so well.

Ham: A classic protein choice for this tropical dish. Its saltiness balances beautifully with the sweet elements.

Pineapple: Crushed or tidbits work perfectly. They bring that unmistakable sweet and tangy flavor that’s central to this recipe.

Red Bell Pepper: For color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness that complements the pineapple.

Celery: Adds a fresh, crisp texture that contrasts the creaminess of the dressing.

Green Onions: These give the salad a mild bite and a bit of sharpness.

Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation of the dressing. It binds everything together.

Sour Cream: Adds a tangy depth to the dressing that balances the sweetness.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that lifts the entire dish.

Sugar: Just a touch to round out the flavors and enhance the pineapple’s natural sweetness.

Salt and Pepper: To season and bring harmony to all the ingredients.

How to Make Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

While the pasta cools, chop the ham, dice the red bell pepper and celery, slice the green onions, and drain the pineapple if needed. Make sure everything is bite-sized and ready to mix.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ham, pineapple, bell pepper, celery, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and enhances the overall taste. Serve cold and enjoy!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re out of ham or want to switch it up, cooked chicken or turkey are great alternatives. You can even go vegetarian by adding chickpeas or edamame for protein. For a dairy-free version, opt for vegan mayo and skip the sour cream or use a plant-based yogurt. If you love cheese, adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella gives the salad a nice creamy bite.

Pasta-wise, feel free to use any shape you love—elbow macaroni, shells, or even penne all work. You could even try whole wheat or gluten-free varieties without changing the integrity of the recipe.

Swap out red bell pepper with orange or yellow if that’s what you have. And if you want extra zing, a squeeze of lime or a few dashes of hot sauce in the dressing can bring a spicy twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

I love serving this Hawaiian Pasta Salad alongside grilled BBQ chicken or ribs. It also pairs wonderfully with burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches. On its own, it makes a tasty light lunch, especially with some crusty bread on the side. For a tropical spread, serve it next to fresh fruit skewers, coconut shrimp, or baked sweet potatoes.

When serving at a gathering, place it in a chilled bowl or over an ice bath to keep it cool and safe during outdoor events.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together. If it seems a bit dry after sitting, stir in a tablespoon of mayo or a splash of milk to refresh the texture.

No reheating is needed since this is best enjoyed cold. If you’re taking it to go, pack it in a chilled lunch bag to maintain freshness.

FAQs

How long can Hawaiian Pasta Salad sit out?

No more than two hours at room temperature. If it’s a hot day, keep it over ice or return it to the fridge quickly to keep it safe.

Can I make Hawaiian Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s actually better when made ahead. Prep it a few hours or even a day in advance so the flavors can deepen.

What pasta works best in Hawaiian Pasta Salad?

Rotini, bowtie, elbow, or shell pasta are ideal since they catch and hold the creamy dressing well.

Is Hawaiian Pasta Salad gluten-free?

Not unless you use gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I freeze Hawaiian Pasta Salad?

I don’t recommend freezing it, as the dressing tends to separate and the pasta can become mushy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you love this tropical and refreshing pasta salad, you’ll definitely want to check out the Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken for another bright and zesty pasta option. Craving something sweet to follow? The Pineapple Cheese Pie is a chilled dessert that ties in perfectly with the island theme. And for a hearty main, serve this salad with flavorful Hawaiian BBQ Chicken.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to pin this Hawaiian Pasta Salad recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s easy to find for your next cookout or picnic. Share it on Facebook or send it to a friend who’s planning their summer menu. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard gathering or just need a little taste of sunshine in your meal plan, this salad delivers!

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