Name: Hawaiian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min

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Hawaiian Pasta Salad

A creamy, sweet-and-tangy pasta salad with ham, pineapple, and vegetables — an easy make-ahead potluck side.

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Prep Time 15

Servings: 8

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Amount: 1 | Unit: lb | Name: short pasta (rotini or shell pasta)

Amount: 1 | Unit: cup | Name: diced ham

Amount: 1 | Unit: cup | Name: pineapple chunks | Notes: drained, reserve 2 tbsp juice

Amount: 1/2 | Unit: cup | Name: diced red bell pepper

Amount: 1/2 | Unit: cup | Name: shredded carrots

Amount: 3/4 | Unit: cup | Name: mayonnaise

Amount: 2 | Unit: tbsp | Name: reserved pineapple juice

Amount: 1 | Unit: tbsp | Name: apple cider vinegar

Amount: 1 | Unit: tbsp | Name: sugar

Name: salt and pepper | Notes: to taste

Equipment

1 Large pot For boiling the pasta
1 Large mixing bowl
1 Small bowl For the dressing
1 Whisk

Method

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and let cool.

Step 2: Whisk together the mayonnaise, reserved pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Combine the cooled pasta, ham, pineapple, bell pepper, and carrots in a large bowl.

Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tip: This salad tastes even better after chilling overnight.

Notes

Best made a day ahead so the flavors have time to meld. Drain the pineapple thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.

Hawaiian pasta salad is a creamy, sweet-and-tangy side dish made with pasta, diced ham, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and carrots, all tossed in a dressing made with mayo and reserved pineapple juice. It comes together quickly, serves a crowd, and is a reliable favorite at potlucks and summer cookouts.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 8

Category: Side dish, potluck

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Pasta Salad

The sweet pineapple and tangy dressing set it apart from a typical mayo-based pasta salad.
Easy to make ahead, and it actually tastes better the next day.
Scales up easily for potlucks, cookouts, and larger gatherings.
A crowd-pleasing mix of sweet and savory that works alongside grilled meats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb short pasta (rotini or shell pasta)
1 cup diced ham
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons juice)
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp reserved pineapple juice
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, reserved pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced ham, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and shredded carrots.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tips for the Best Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Let the pasta cool fully before adding the dressing, or it can turn watery.
Drain the pineapple very well to avoid a runny salad.
Make this a day ahead for the best flavor — the ingredients have time to meld.
Taste and adjust the sweetness with a little extra sugar or pineapple juice if needed.

Variations to Try

Add shredded coconut for even more tropical flavor.
Swap the ham for cooked, crumbled bacon.
Stir in sliced green onion for a mild savory bite.

How to Store It

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Hawaiian pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes — it’s actually better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, just drain it well and reserve a little of the juice for the dressing.

Is this served cold?

Yes, it’s meant to be served chilled as a cold pasta salad.

Can I make it without ham?

Yes, it works well as a vegetarian side dish without the ham.

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