My Hawaiian inspired Pasta Salad

Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy pasta salad. It’s a refreshing and versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste and the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re having a picnic, a barbecue, or simply want a light and cool meal, pasta salad is a great choice. It’s easy to prepare, and you can incorporate various vegetables, proteins, herbs, and dressings to create a delicious and satisfying dish. Some popular additions to pasta salad include cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, feta cheese, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even fresh herbs like basil or parsley. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to get creative and experiment with different flavors. So go ahead and enjoy a refreshing bowl of pasta salad this summer

The following is one of my all time favorites. I hope you enjoy it as well. Hawaiian-inspired pasta salad is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of the islands with the comforting elements of pasta. Here’s a delicious recipe for the best Hawaiian-inspired pasta salad:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces rotini ,fusilli , or bow tie pasta
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced pineapple, cooked ham, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, green onions, and cilantro. Toss together gently.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the pineapple and ham mixture. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or honey according to your preference.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Before serving, give the pasta salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with additional cilantro or green onions if desired.

This Hawaiian-inspired pasta salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a side dish for a BBQ. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory ham, and tangy dressing creates a refreshing and satisfying salad that captures the essence of Hawaiian flavors. Enjoy!