Hawaiian Pineapple Pasta Salad

A sweet-and-savory island-style pasta salad featuring juicy pineapple, tender ham, fresh vegetables, and a creamy pineapple dressing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

Salad:

• 1 pound pasta, cooked and cooled (use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version)
• 1 cup pineapple, diced and marinated in Azeka’s Maui Original Sauce
• 1 cup ham, diced and marinated in Azeka’s Spicy Maui Original Sauce (optional)
• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup carrot, grated or shredded
• ¼ cup red onion, grated
• ¼ cup green onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta
   Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and allow to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
   Dice the pineapple and marinate it in Azeka’s Maui Original Sauce for at least 30 minutes. If using ham, marinate it in Azeka’s Spicy Maui Original Sauce for at least 30 minutes.
3. Make the Dressing
   In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Combine the Salad
   Add the cooled pasta, marinated pineapple, marinated ham, red bell pepper, carrot, red onion, and green onion to the bowl with the dressing.
5. Mix and Chill
   Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve
   Stir before serving and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra green onion if desired.

Tips:

This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator, making it perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and meal prep.

For extra sweetness, add a handful of diced fresh pineapple just before serving.

Substitute diced cooked chicken for the ham if preferred.

For a lighter dressing, replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.