Name: Hawaiian Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons to Love This Refreshing Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 8 ounces of rotini pasta; 1 cup of diced pineapple; 1 cup of diced bell pepper; 1 cup of chopped green onions; 1 cup of cooked and diced ham; 1/2 cup of shredded carrots; 1/2 cup of mayonnaise; 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon of sugar; Salt and pepper to taste

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish—Hawaiian pasta salad! It’s such a refreshing treat, perfect for warm days when you want something light yet bursting with flavor. The vibrant colors of diced pineapple, bell peppers, and green onions make it as pretty as it is delicious, bringing a taste of the islands right to your kitchen. I remember the first time I made this for a family picnic; everyone devoured it! The tangy dressing combined with the sweetness of the pineapple creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to whip it up again and again!

hawaiian pasta salad - detail 1

Ingredients for Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Gather these simple, fresh ingredients to create a delightful Hawaiian pasta salad that everyone will love!

8 ounces of rotini pasta
1 cup of diced pineapple (fresh or canned, just make sure to drain it well!)
1 cup of diced bell pepper (red, yellow, or green for a pop of color!)
1 cup of chopped green onions (the green parts add a lovely bite)
1 cup of cooked and diced ham (or you can swap it for cooked chicken for a different twist)
1/2 cup of shredded carrots (they add a nice crunch and sweetness)
1/2 cup of mayonnaise (this brings everything together)
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar (for that tangy kick)
1 tablespoon of sugar (to balance the flavors)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)

How to Prepare Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making this Hawaiian pasta salad! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be savoring this deliciousness in no time.

Cooking the Pasta

Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes until al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep it from getting mushy!

Combining the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the diced pineapple, bell pepper, green onions, ham, and shredded carrots. Once those vibrant veggies are all mixed up, it’s time to add your cooled pasta. This colorful medley is going to be a feast for your eyes!

Making the Dressing

For the dressing, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little more vinegar or sugar can really elevate those flavors!

Mixing Everything Together

Pour the dressing over your pasta salad and mix everything together gently but thoroughly. You want every noodle and veggie to be coated in that creamy goodness. Don’t rush this step—it’s key for flavor!

Chilling the Salad

Finally, cover the salad and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling it lets the flavors meld beautifully, making every bite even more delicious. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy days!
Fresh, colorful ingredients that make your salad visually stunning.
A delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Great for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Versatile; you can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins.
Can be made in advance, saving you time on the day of your event.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Hawaiian pasta salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips you won’t want to miss! First, don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente, so it holds up well in the salad. If you want to mix things up, feel free to swap the ham for grilled chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding in some diced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes can elevate the freshness, too! And remember, for a lighter version, Greek yogurt works wonders in place of mayonnaise. Just make sure to chill it well before serving for that punch of flavor!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delightful Hawaiian pasta salad. Each cup contains approximately 300 calories, 15g of fat, 8g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!

FAQ About Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Got questions about Hawaiian pasta salad? I’ve got answers! A common one is, “Can I use different ingredients?” Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ham, try cooked chicken or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas. If you want to boost the crunch, throw in some cucumbers or snap peas. Another question I often hear is, “How should I store leftovers?” Just pop any extras in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for lunch the next day! And if you’re prepping for a party, this salad can be made a day in advance—just remember to give it a good stir before serving to wake up all those flavors!

For more delicious salad recipes, check out this chicken and broccoli salad!

Z nadrukami

Hawaiian Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons to Love This Refreshing Dish

Autor: Julia marin
Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
Dieta: Wegańskie

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Opis

A refreshing Hawaiian pasta salad packed with colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing.

Instrukcje

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, bell pepper, green onions, ham, and carrots.
Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture.
In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix well.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.