This Hawaii Inspired Pasta Salad is a refreshing alternative to a Hawaiian Pizza that is perfect to take to a cookout, or for a simple dinner at home with some grilled barbecued chicken.
In Hawaii, where macaroni salad is a staple when it comes to plate lunches, it’s been a long known secret that you intentionally overcook the pasta – to make it “fat”. It helps it to really soak up the sauce, and keep the pasta moist and delicious.
Why you’ll love this salad
This Hawaii Inspired Pasta Salad makes a large batch that is perfect to take to a cookout. Or, for a simple dinner at home with some grilled barbecued chicken. Leftovers were great too! With a little grilled tuna or chicken, and some diced fresh pineapple tossed it – makes for an awesome salad for lunch!
To make this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad you will need:
- Macaroni Pasta (or Bowtie Pasta)
- Pineapple chunks
- cooked ham
- Carrot
- Green onion
- Mayonnaise
- Plain greek yogurt
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
For the full list of ingredients, and the printable recipe, be sure to check out the recipe card below.
How to make Hawaii Inspired Pasta Salad
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions and rinse in cold water
- In a large bowl, combine macaroni, pineapple chunks, ham, carrots, celery and green onion in a bowl. set aside.
How to make the Pineapple Dressing
- In a small bowl whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, mayonnaise, greek yogurt, cider vinegar, and sugar. Pour over pasta and stir to coat. Enjoy!
Make this Pasta Salad with Ham and Pineapple then check out my Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Squares, Traditional Deviled Ham Salad and Layered Cobb Salad Trifle and more of my summer salad recipes.
☀️ Celebrate Summer with this easy salad!
Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad
This delightful Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad boasts a combination of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Imagine a harmonious blend of succulent chicken infused with the smoky allure of chipotle seasoning. Picture a vibrant medley of strawberries and blueberries dancing with creamy avocado on a bed of crisp mixed greens. It’s the ultimate summer salad that will leave you craving for more!
Peach Quinoa Salad
This Peach Quinoa Salad is a delicious salad for any summer party, or a great potluck dish! Double the recipe, because it goes fast!
Heart Healthy Mixed Bean Salad
Turn canned beans, lentils and chickpeas into a flavourful salad that will add a healthy boost to your meals. Perfect year round, this fibre-rich salad is a great way of incorporating legumes into your diet. This can be served as a side dish, perfect for potlucks or to make it a main for lunch serve it over spiralized cucumbers.
Hawaii Inspired Pasta Salad Recipe Recipe
This Hawaiian Pasta Salad is a refreshing alternative to a Hawaiian Pizza that is perfect to take to a cookout, or for a simple dinner at home with some grilled barbecued chicken.
Ingredients
- ½ pound dry elbow macaroni
- 1 can 20 ounces pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ½ cup liquid for dressing)
- 2 cups cubed cooked ham
- ½ cup shredded carrot
- ¼ cup green onion
- 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
Pineapple Dressing:
- ½ cup reserved pineapple juice
- ½ light mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
Instructions
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions and rinse in cold water
- In a large bowl, combine macaroni, pineapple chunks, ham, carrots, celery and green onion in a bowl. set aside.
Pineapple Dressing:
- In a small bowl whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, mayonnaise, greek yogurt, cider vinegar, and sugar. Pour over pasta and stir to coat. Enjoy!
Feel free to look through the rest of my recipes and if you can’t find the recipe you’re looking for let me know and I’ll do my best to create it for you.
Anna Luke
Monday 18th of March 2019
This sounds delicious, I can't wait to try it!