Hawaiian Pasta Salad is a bright, creamy, and slightly sweet side dish made with tender pasta, juicy pineapple, crisp vegetables, and a tangy-sweet dressing. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or as a light meal on a warm day, this tropical twist on classic pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. The pineapple adds a burst of tropical flavor, while the creamy dressing brings everything together. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and holds up well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep or entertaining. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats or enjoying it on its own, Hawaiian Pasta Salad is refreshing, colorful, and full of flavor.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
- Crushed or diced pineapple (drained, juice reserved)
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Carrots, shredded or finely chopped
- Green onions, sliced
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- Honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: ham or cooked bacon for added protein
directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, pineapple, bell pepper, red onion, carrots, and green onions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, reserved pineapple juice, vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Toss in diced ham, grilled chicken, or bacon for a heartier version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Tropical Flair: Add chopped mango or mandarin oranges for extra fruitiness.
- Dairy-Free: Use a vegan mayo alternative for a dairy-free option.
- Pasta Swap: Try using bowtie pasta, shells, or even orzo for a different texture.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature—no reheating required. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and dressing may change.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
What kind of pasta is best?
Short pasta like macaroni, rotini, or shells work best for holding the dressing.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Absolutely—just make sure to use some juice for the dressing, or substitute with a splash of orange juice.
Is this salad sweet?
It has a mild sweetness from the pineapple and honey, but it’s well balanced by the vinegar and mayo.
How do I make it lighter?
Use light mayonnaise or substitute half of it with plain Greek yogurt.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use vegan mayo and skip any meat add-ins.
What goes well with Hawaiian Pasta Salad?
It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, burgers, or teriyaki dishes.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Rinse it with cold water after cooking and toss with a little oil if you’re prepping it early.
Can I add cheese?
Sure—cubes of cheddar or shredded mozzarella can add a creamy, salty touch.
What veggies can I add?
Cucumber, celery, peas, or corn all work great in this salad.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines sweet tropical flavors with creamy, savory ingredients for a side that’s always a hit. Easy to customize, make ahead, and pack with your favorite add-ins, this salad is a must-have for warm-weather meals, cookouts, and picnics. One bite, and you’ll be dreaming of island breezes.
Print
Hawaiian Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
Description
This tropical-inspired pasta salad features tender pasta, juicy pineapple, savory ham, crisp bell peppers, and green onions tossed in a creamy pineapple-Dijon dressing. It’s light, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
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8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
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1 (14 oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve juice)
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2 cups diced cooked ham
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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2 green onions, sliced thin
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1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/3 cup reserved pineapple juice
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp honey
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1/4 tsp garlic powder
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Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. -
Mix dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, pineapple juice, Dijon, vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. -
Combine ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, ham, pineapple, bell pepper, green onions, and carrots (if using). -
Toss with dressing:
Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. -
Chill and serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
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Add crunch with diced celery, macadamia nuts, or water chestnuts.
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Make it vegetarian by swapping ham for chickpeas or extra veggies.
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Great make-ahead dish – the flavors get better after chilling!