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Fresh Hawaiian Pasta Salad with Ham Easy Homemade Sweet Dressing Recipe

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A refreshing and colorful pasta salad featuring juicy ham, fresh pineapple, and a homemade sweet dressing that balances sweet and tangy flavors perfectly. Ideal for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or shell pasta
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cooked ham, diced
  • 1 cup (150 grams) fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 cup (150 grams) diced red and green bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) diced celery
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Let it drain thoroughly.
  2. While the pasta cooks, dice 1 cup (150 grams) cooked ham into small cubes. Chop 1 cup (150 grams) fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Dice 1 cup (150 grams) mixed red and green bell peppers, 1/4 cup (40 grams) red onion, and 1/2 cup (60 grams) celery. Set aside.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced ham, pineapple, bell peppers, red onion, and celery. Pour the sweet dressing over the top and gently toss to coat evenly without mashing the pineapple or veggies.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid sogginess. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and help dressing cling better. Adjust dressing sweetness or tanginess to taste. Chill salad before serving for best flavor. Can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for lighter or dairy-free options. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet. Add fresh cilantro or substitute bell peppers with cucumber for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Hawaiian salad, ham salad, sweet dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad, picnic recipe, potluck dish

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/fresh-hawaiian-pasta-salad-with-ham-easy-homemade-sweet-dressing-recipe/