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Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Pasta Salad Recipe with Ham and Pineapple Easy and Best

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A creamy and refreshing Hawaiian-style macaroni pasta salad featuring ham and pineapple, perfect for potlucks, summer lunches, and casual gatherings. This easy recipe combines sweet pineapple, savory ham, and a tangy mayo-based dressing for a delightful tropical twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni (about 270g), cooked al dente and cooled
  • 1 1/2 cups ham, diced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 3 cups (about 270g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain thoroughly for about 10 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cools, dice 1 1/2 cups of ham into bite-size cubes. Chop 1 stalk of celery finely and dice 1 small red bell pepper if using. Slice 2 green onions thinly. Drain 1 cup of pineapple chunks well to avoid excess juice.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon honey. Whisk until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add the ham, pineapple, celery, bell pepper, and green onions. Gently fold the ingredients together until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the pineapple or pasta.
  5. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and dressing thicken. If short on time, 30 minutes can work.
  6. Before serving, gently stir the salad, taste for seasoning, and add more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for garnish.

Notes

Rinse pasta after boiling to stop cooking and remove excess starch to prevent gumminess. Use a gentle folding technique to avoid breaking pineapple chunks. Chill salad for best flavor. Add a splash of milk or pineapple juice if salad seems dry after chilling. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives. Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Hawaiian pasta salad, macaroni salad, ham and pineapple salad, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-hawaiian-macaroni-pasta-salad-recipe-with-ham-and-pineapple-easy-and-best/