Post includes Weight Watchers Points. You get comforting pasta and creamy dressing. And the salty ham and sweet pineapple that contrasts nicely with the crunchy carrots and bright red peppers. Its like a Hawaiian Pizza but in salad form. Hawaiian Pasta Salad really is a little one-dish wonder. Perfect for serving up at your next potluck, packing on picnics or enjoying at outdoor concerts and lunchboxes. And it is especially well suited for a fun summertime backyard luau. Or, why not hold you very own Kuhio Day celebration on March 26th?
Why You’ll Love This
Easy – sooooo easy to make since it requires just a handful of everyday frugal ingredients.Serve cold – refreshing meal and perfect for summer and all year long.Flavorful – bursting with authentic Hawaiian flavors. Feed a Crowd – Double or even triple this recipe to feed a hungry crowd.
Salad Ingredients Notes
Uncooked elbow macaroni – any other pasta shape works well. Or make this with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta instead.Vegetables – this gets color and crunch from bell peppers, carrots and green onion. Feel free to vary the color of the veggies – the more colourful the better.Ham and pineapple – Ham and pineapple is what makes this salad Hawaiian. This is a great opportunity to use leftover cubbed ham and leftover pineapple. You can also use tinned pineapple chunksSeasoning – olive oil, salt and pepper add flavor.
Pineapple Dressing Ingredient Notes:
Mayonnaise and sour cream. – you can use half fat or full fat versions. I have also subbed in some creme fraiche and Greek yogurt. Pineapple juice – This is what makes the salad pop.Whole grain mustard – you can use Dijon mustard, or you can skip this and add in a little extra black pepper.Apple cider vinegar – I have also use white wine vinegar.
So, are you ready to learn how to make this Pineapple Macaroni Salad Recipe? Then gather up your ingredients and I will show you…..
How to Make Hawaiian Pasta Salad with Pineapple
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
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 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.
Recipe Tips
To reduce prep time start with leftover cooked pasta.When waiting for the pasta to cool, add 1- 2 teaspoons of olive oil and toss to prevent the pasta from sticking.This recipe typically calls for smooth Dijon mustard, but I love the bite that whole grain mustard provides.To make this Ham Pineapple Macaroni salad a bit healthier, I used half fat mayo. But you can make it with full-fat mayonnaise if you prefer.
Storage and Meal Prep
Make ahead – make ahead and chill for up to 2 hours. Mix before serving.Storage – Store in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 3 days.Meal Prep – I happen to think that cold pasta salad is one of the best meal prep solutions there is. And this Hawaiian Mac Salad is sooooo easy to make. Just whip up a batch at the beginning of the week and keep it chilled in the fridge for 3 days.
And if you’re cooking for a crowd, simply double this recipe. Just the thing for your next backyard barbecue!
Delicious Variations
You can easily add more (or less) ingredients to this Hawaiian Pasta Salad Recipe. Have fun coming up with different flavor combinations to suit your taste. Here are just a few ideas for additional ingredients:
Green peasBroccoliCeleryMandarin orange slicesMango or papaya chunksNuts (cashews or macadamia nuts are a great choice)Shredded chicken or turkeyBacon crumblesHard boiled egg
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken.Hawaiian Instant Pot Pulled Pork.Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Wings.Instant Pot Pork Chops.
Weight Watchers Points
There are 7 Blueplan SmartPoints in a serving of this.
More Great Salad Recipes:
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.Red Potato Salad.Creamy Pea Salad.Rainbow Veggie Salad.Grape salad.
Thank you for reading my Ham Salad Recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue dreaming up recipes, traditional African recipes, African fusion recipes, Sierra Leone recipes, travel plans and much more for you. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, UK food blog. Originally published July 2019. Post has been updated.
