Sunny Island Pasta Mix: A Tropical Hawaiian Pasta Salad Recipe

Summers burst with vibrant flavors when you craft this delightful Hawaiian pasta salad.

Colorful ingredients dance across each forkful of this tropical-inspired dish.

Tender pasta intertwines with sweet pineapple chunks and savory ham, creating a refreshing meal that transports you to island paradise.

Crisp vegetables add a delightful crunch to every bite.

Bright, zesty dressing brings all the elements together in perfect harmony.

The combination of textures and tastes makes this pasta salad an instant crowd-pleaser.

Serve chilled and watch as everyone asks for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Hawaiian Pasta Salad That Stands Out

• Pasta: Choose elbow macaroni for classic texture and perfect sauce-holding abilities; whole wheat options add extra nutrition.
• Salt: Enhances pasta flavor during boiling and balances overall dish seasoning.

• Ham: Adds savory protein element; look for high-quality, lean cuts with minimal fat for best flavor.
• Green Onions: Provide sharp, fresh bite and bright color; choose firm stalks with vibrant green tops.
• Carrots: Optional vegetable that brings subtle sweetness and crunchy texture; select crisp, bright orange carrots.

• Mayonnaise: Creates creamy base for dressing; choose full-fat version for richest taste.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and smooth consistency to dressing.
• Pineapple Juice: Introduces tropical sweetness and helps tenderize ingredients.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides subtle tang and depth to dressing.
• White Vinegar: Balances sweetness and adds bright acidity.
• Honey: Softens sharp flavors and contributes natural sweetness.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers consistent, mellow garlic flavor throughout dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Pineapple: Brings tropical sweetness and juicy texture; select ripe, golden chunks.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces crisp texture and vibrant color; choose firm, bright peppers.

Bowls, Spoons & Tongs – Tools for Hawaiian Pasta Salad

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients and tossing the salad smoothly.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking together the creamy, tangy dressing.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients until silky and well-combined.
• Cutting board: Helps chop vegetables and ham with ease.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise chopping of green onions, bell peppers, and ham.
• Colander: Great for draining pasta and rinsing under cold water.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for balanced flavor.

Tossing Together a Bold, Bright Hawaiian Pasta Salad

• Boil Pasta

Cook the pasta in salted water until it reaches a tender but firm texture. Drain and cool completely under cold running water to stop the cooking process.

• Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

Blend mayonnaise, sour cream, tangy pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until you create a smooth, velvety dressing.

• Mix the Tropical Ingredients

Toss together the cooled pasta with chunks of savory ham, sweet pineapple pieces, crisp bell peppers, zesty green onions, and optional shredded carrots in a large mixing bowl.

• Dress and Coat

Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta mixture and gently fold everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets a delicious coating of the tropical-inspired dressing.

• Chill and Enjoy

Cover the salad and let it hang out in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors mingle and develop. Give it a quick taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Sweet, Savory, or Spicy? Your Call with Hawaiian Pasta Salad

• Prepare this salad a day in advance to let flavors meld beautifully, making it perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings.
• Swap ham with rotisserie chicken, shredded turkey, or tofu for different protein options that keep the tropical vibe.
• Use gluten-free pasta like rice or corn pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Add extra crunch with diced cucumber, red onion, or swap carrots for edamame to boost nutritional value and texture.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the dressing for those who love a little heat in their pasta salad.

Serving Ideas for Hawaiian Pasta Salad at Picnics or BBQs

• Paradise Plate Pairings: Serve this tropical pasta salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal bursting with Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack this chilled salad in mason jars for outdoor gatherings, beach days, or summer potlucks where cool, refreshing dishes shine.
• Protein Power-Up: Boost the salad's nutritional value by adding diced rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or cubed tofu for extra protein and substance.
• Texture Twist Topping: Sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts or crispy bacon bits just before serving to add a delightful crunch and elevate the dish's flavor profile.

How to Chill and Save Hawaiian Pasta Salad for Later

• Spread pasta on a baking sheet to cool faster before mixing with other ingredients, preventing soggy texture and maintaining perfect pasta consistency.
• Keep salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Prepare dressing and chop vegetables separately, storing them in sealed containers to assemble quickly when ready to serve, saving time during busy weeks.
• Divide salad into individual meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches, keeping ingredients crisp and dressing separate until ready to eat.

Tropical Hawaiian Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hawaiian pasta salad brings tropical sunshine to classic comfort food with its tangy pineapple and creamy dressing. Rich mac combines sweet ham and zesty notes, creating a refreshing island-inspired side perfect for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 (14 oz / 397 g) can pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve juice)
• 8 oz / 226 g rotini or bowtie pasta
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup shredded carrots (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced thin
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ⅓ cup reserved pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender, then immediately rinse under cold water to halt cooking and create a refreshing temperature. Drain thoroughly.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayo, sour cream, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Ingredient Assembly: In a spacious mixing vessel, combine cooled pasta with diced ham, chunky pineapple pieces, vibrant bell peppers, sliced green onions, and shredded carrots, ensuring a colorful and balanced mixture.
4. Final Fusion: Drizzle prepared dressing over the pasta medley, gently folding ingredients to guarantee uniform coating and flavor distribution. Ensure each component is delicately embraced by the creamy dressing.
5. Chilling and Serving: Seal the salad and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Prior to serving, taste and fine-tune seasoning if necessary, creating a harmonious Hawaiian-inspired pasta experience.

Notes

• Select short, sturdy pasta like elbow macaroni or shells that will hold dressing well and prevent soggy texture.
• Drain pineapple chunks thoroughly to avoid watery salad; pat chunks dry with paper towels for best consistency.
• Swap ham with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for dietary preferences without compromising tropical flavor profile.
• Allow salad to marinate minimum 2-3 hours instead of just one hour, enabling ingredients to blend and develop richer taste experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg