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Sweet Hawaiian Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy sweet Hawaiian pasta salad featuring pineapple chunks, creamy dressing, and tender pasta, perfect for potlucks and BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped ham or cooked bacon bits

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of rotini or bowtie pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Let it drain thoroughly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Dice 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, 1/2 cup celery, and 1/4 cup green onions. Make sure everything is bite-sized and evenly chopped.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, and pineapple chunks. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Fold in 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or 1/4 cup cooked ham or bacon bits if desired.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir gently before plating.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and help dressing cling. Whisk dressing until smooth. Chill salad at least 1 hour for best flavor. Optional add-ins like cheese or ham add savory depth. For dairy-free or vegan versions, substitute mayo and sour cream with vegan alternatives and use vegan pasta. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make it gluten-free. If dressing is too thick, add a splash of milk or pineapple juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian pasta salad, pineapple pasta salad, sweet pasta salad, potluck salad, BBQ side dish, creamy pasta salad

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/sweet-hawaiian-pasta-salad-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-pineapple-bliss/