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Fresh Hawaiian Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Tropical Creamy Delight for Summer

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A quick and easy tropical pasta salad featuring sweet pineapple, creamy dressing, and tender pasta, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 stalks green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ½ cup diced ham or cooked chicken

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  3. While pasta cooks, dice 1 cup of fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks, chop 1 medium red bell pepper, slice 2 green onions thinly, and finely chop 1 celery stalk. Combine in a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise, ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the pineapple and veggies. Pour the dressing over and gently toss everything together until every piece is coated. Fold in ½ cup diced ham or cooked chicken if using.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, add a squeeze of fresh lime or sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro for extra brightness.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after boiling to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Chill salad for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. For a dairy-free version, use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make it gluten-free. Add a splash of lime juice or fresh herbs before serving for extra brightness. If salad feels dry after chilling, add a splash of milk or extra mayo to loosen it up.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian pasta salad, tropical pasta salad, pineapple pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, potluck salad

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/fresh-hawaiian-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-tropical-creamy-delight-for-summer/