Hawaiian Pasta Salad Ham Pineapple (Print Version)

Tropical pasta featuring ham, pineapple, crunchy vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing for a refreshing bite.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz rotini or bow tie pasta
02 - 1 teaspoon salt for boiling water

→ Salad Mix-ins

03 - 7 oz cooked ham, diced
04 - 8 oz canned pineapple tidbits, drained
05 - 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
06 - ½ cup celery, finely chopped
07 - ½ cup red onion, finely diced
08 - ½ cup frozen peas, thawed

→ Dressing

09 - ½ cup ranch dressing
10 - ⅓ cup mayonnaise
11 - 1 tablespoon pineapple juice from can
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
13 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
14 - ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste

→ Garnish

15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Allow to cool completely.
02 - Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add ham, pineapple tidbits, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and peas. Mix gently to combine.
03 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, pineapple juice, lime juice, black pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined.
04 - Pour dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Remove from refrigerator and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, which means you can prep it the morning of and let it sit all day.
  • The tropical flavors feel indulgent without being heavy, making it perfect for warm weather when you want something filling but not hot.
  • Everyone eats it, from picky eaters to adventurous cooks, because it's familiar comfort food with a playful twist.
02 -
  • Drain that pineapple thoroughly or your salad will end up watery no matter how good your dressing is—I learned this the soggy way.
  • Don't skip the cold water rinse on the pasta or the starch will make everything gummy as it sits, and that tropical freshness disappears fast.
03 -
  • Reserve some of that pineapple juice in a small container before stirring—a splash added at serving time revives flavors that fade after sitting.
  • Chop everything the same size so the salad feels intentional and balanced rather than choppy and random.
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