Easy Hawaiian Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Easy Hawaiian Pasta Salad
Description
The pasta salad begins by cooking elbow macaroni to al dente, then tossed with olive oil to prevent sticking as it cools. The dressing blends mayonnaise and sour cream with pineapple juice, whole grain mustard, and apple cider vinegar for a balance of creaminess, sweetness, and tang. Ham, drained pineapple chunks, diced red pepper, matchstick carrots, and sliced green onions are combined with the pasta and dressing, then mixed thoroughly and chilled.
This salad presents a colorful, hearty side or light meal with contrasting textures from crunchy vegetables, juicy pineapple, and tender pasta and ham. Whole grain mustard adds a bit of bite to the dressing compared to traditional Dijon. Various pasta shapes can be used, and the salad keeps well refrigerated until serving.
The recipe can be customized by adjusting mayonnaise fat content or substituting pasta types. Adding olive oil during cooling prevents pasta from clumping. Chilling before serving allows flavors to meld.
Ingredients
Cold Pasta Salad Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or other pasta shape of your choice, uncooked, 450g
- 1 - 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 cups ham cubed
- 28 ounces pineapple chunks drained and juice reserved for salad dressing
- 2 red bell pepper deseeded and chopped
- 2 carrot peeled and cut into matchsticks
- 4 green onions sliced
- salt
- black pepper
Pineapple Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice reserved from the pineapple tins
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard or Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
To Make Hawaiian Pasta Salad:
- Cook pasta according to packet instructions (you will want it to be al dente).
- Drain the pasta and add in a couple of teaspoons of olive oil to keep it from sticking. Allow pasta to cool.
- Meanwhile, make the Hawaiian pasta salad pineapple dressing by adding all ingredients together and whisk till smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, ham, pineapple bits, red pepper, carrots, green onions, salt and pepper. Then add in the dressing and mix the Hawaiian mac salad till combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Cover the Hawaiian macaroni salad and chill until you are ready to serve your cold pasta salad.
Notes
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil to the drained pasta while it cools to prevent sticking.
- Whole grain mustard provides a subtle bite compared to smooth Dijon mustard in the dressing.
- Any pasta shape can be used, including whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.
- Using half-fat mayonnaise reduces calories but full-fat mayonnaise can be used if preferred.
- The salad contains approximately 7 Freestyle points per serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 300 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 300kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 664mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 276mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 2430IU | 49% |
| Vitamin C | 33.9mg | 38% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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