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.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Resting Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal
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
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.
Keyword ham and pineapple salad