Hawaiian Pasta Salad is a delightful, tropical twist on the classic pasta salad. This vibrant dish combines juicy pineapple, savory ham, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal, this salad is sure to bring a taste of the islands to your table.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 200g (7oz) uncooked pasta (farfalle bows recommended)
- 200g (7oz) ham, diced
- 150g (5.5oz) fresh pineapple, chopped
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 baby cucumbers, diced
- ½ red pepper, diced
- ½ small red onion, diced
- ¾ cup sweetcorn
For the Dressing:
- 4 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 1.5 cups fat-free plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweetener (e.g., Sukrin: 1)
- 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Prepare the pasta by boiling it until it reaches an al dente consistency as directed on the package.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Ham:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, chopped pineapple, green onions, julienned carrot, diced cucumbers, red pepper, red onion, and sweetcorn.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, fat-free plain yogurt, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, sweetener, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
- Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Salad and Dressing:
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and ham.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy the refreshing taste of this Hawaiian-inspired pasta salad.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The combination of fresh pineapple, ham, and crisp vegetables, tossed in a creamy and slightly sweet dressing, offers a refreshing and unique take on the traditional pasta salad. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a picnic, or as a side dish for your family dinner, this vibrant salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the taste of the tropics with every bite!