This Ham & Pineapple Pasta Salad combines savory ham, sweet pineapple, and a creamy dressing for a refreshing and flavorful dish. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light dinner, this pasta salad brings a delightful balance of sweet and savory with every bite. Easy to prepare and loaded with vibrant ingredients, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s whip it up!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini or bow tie pasta
- 1 can pineapple tidbits (14 ounces, with juice reserved for dressing)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup pineapple juice (reserved from the can)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until it reaches an al dente texture, following the instructions on the package. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down, then set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pineapple juice, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, pineapple tidbits, red bell pepper, and green onion.Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate and Serve: Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let the flavors combine. Serve cold, topped with extra green onions if preferred.
Conclusion
This Ham & Pineapple Pasta Salad is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy dressing, juicy pineapple, and hearty ham make it a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whip it up for your next gathering, and watch it disappear in no time!
Ham & Pineapple Pasta Salad: A Tropical Twist on a Classic
A sweet and savory pasta salad featuring diced ham,pineapple, and a creamy homemade dressing. Perfect for potlucks or a light meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini or bow tie pasta
- 1 can pineapple tidbits 14 ounces, with juice reserved for dressing
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup pineapple juice reserved from the can
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until it reaches an al dente texture, following the instructions on the package. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down, then set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pineapple juice, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, pineapple tidbits, red bell pepper, and green onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate and Serve: Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let the flavors combine. Serve cold, topped with extra green onions if preferred.