Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *Hawaiian pasta salad*! It’s like a little burst of sunshine in a bowl! The combination of sweet, juicy pineapple, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers just makes me feel like I’m lounging on a beach somewhere. And the best part? It’s perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or even just a cozy dinner at home. I love how colorful and fresh it looks on the table, and trust me, it tastes just as good as it looks! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just toss everything together and let it chill while you sip a cold drink. You’re going to want this salad at every gathering!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Hawaiian Pasta Salad
Making this delicious Hawaiian pasta salad is super simple and fun! First, you’ll want to cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Just boil it up until it’s al dente, then drain and cool it under some cold water. This helps to stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta from getting mushy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced pineapple, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, diced cucumbers, chopped red onion, diced ham, and shredded cheddar cheese. It’s a rainbow of flavors!
- Once your pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is the magic touch that brings everything together.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, and toss everything gently to ensure it’s all coated evenly.
- Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives all those flavors a chance to mingle and makes it extra refreshing!
And that’s it! You’ve got a vibrant, tasty Hawaiian pasta salad ready to impress!
Tips for Success
To make your Hawaiian pasta salad truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t be shy about adjusting the dressing to suit your taste—if you like it creamier, add a bit more mayo, or if you want a tangy kick, splash in extra apple cider vinegar. Oh, and if you can, prepare the salad a day in advance! Letting it sit in the fridge overnight lets all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully.
Also, feel free to get creative with add-ins! Toss in some toasted coconut for that tropical vibe, or swap the ham for grilled chicken if you want extra protein. And remember, the fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste! Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about this Hawaiian pasta salad is how easy it is to customize! If you’re in the mood for something different, try swapping out the vegetables. You could add some diced mango for an extra tropical twist or throw in some shredded carrots for a pop of color and crunch. If you want to up the protein, grilled shrimp or even some diced grilled chicken work wonderfully! You can also play around with the dressing—try using a zesty vinaigrette instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option. Or, mix in some spicy sriracha for a kick! The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying this refreshing Hawaiian pasta salad, it’s good to know what you’re nourishing your body with! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, and can vary depending on the specific brands and quantities you use. Enjoy this salad guilt-free, knowing it’s packed with goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Hawaiian pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance is one of my favorite tips. It gives the flavors a chance to really meld together, making it even more delicious!
What can I substitute for the ham?
If you’re looking for a different protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would work wonderfully. You could also skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version—just load up on extra veggies!
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This Hawaiian pasta salad can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While rotini is my go-to, you can use any pasta shape you love. Bowtie pasta or penne would be great alternatives!
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make your Hawaiian pasta salad gluten-free, simply substitute the rotini with a gluten-free pasta option, and you’re all set!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick and easy to whip up—perfect for busy days!
- Loaded with vibrant, fresh ingredients that are bursting with flavor.
- A delightful balance of sweet and savory that everyone will love.
- Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or just a refreshing meal at home.
- Customizable to fit your taste—add your favorite veggies or proteins!
- Light yet satisfying, making it a great healthy option for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your delightful Hawaiian pasta salad, the options are endless! I love pairing it with some grilled chicken or shrimp skewers for a protein-packed meal that feels tropical and fun. If you’re hosting a BBQ, serve it alongside juicy burgers or hot dogs for a perfect summer spread. For a lighter option, fresh fruit skewers or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complement the flavors beautifully. And don’t forget a refreshing drink! A nice cold coconut water or a fruity iced tea will keep the vibe relaxed and enjoyable. Cheers to delicious summer meals!
For more information on the health benefits of pineapple, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in learning more about different types of pasta, visit this The Spruce Eats guide.
Print
Hawaiian Pasta Salad: 5 Steps to a Tasty Summer Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Hawaiian pasta salad with colorful ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, red onion, ham, and cheddar cheese.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add more vegetables or protein as desired.
- Adjust the dressing to your taste.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: hawaiian pasta salad, pasta salad, summer salad
