Ham & Pineapple Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
241 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Salad
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Cuisine
American
Ham & Pineapple Pasta Salad
Description
The recipe prepares rotini pasta cooked and cooled to prevent over-softening as it soaks up the dressing. The dressing is a smooth mix of mayonnaise, reserved pineapple juice, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and seasoning, which lends a balanced creaminess with hints of acidity and sweetness. The pasta is combined with diced ham, juicy pineapple tidbits, diced red bell pepper for crunch, and sliced green onion for a mild sharpness.
The salad should be refrigerated for at least two hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing. Its creamy texture pairs well with the fresh vegetables and sweet pineapple, resulting in a harmonious dish. It can be served as a side at barbecues or casual meals.
Notes suggest storing the salad in an airtight container for up to five days, stirring before serving to redistribute dressing, and not overcooking the pasta as it softens when dressed. Additional fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers can be added for variation.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta or bow tie pasta
- 1 can pineapple tidbits (14 ounces) with juice reserved for dressing
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 cups ham diced
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and run it under cold water to cool.
- In a bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ham, pineapple, bell pepper, green onion, and dressing. Gently toss to combine.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Keep the salad refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Stir the salad before serving again to redistribute dressing.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to prevent it from becoming too soft once dressed.
- Add extra dressing as pasta absorbs some during storage.
- Customize with ingredients like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers as desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 241 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 241 | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 24mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 489mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 154mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 570IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 26.9mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 23mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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