Ham & Pineapple Pasta Salad
Makes 8
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (226.8 g) Pasta (campanelle, bow tie or rotini)
- 20 ounces (566.99 g) pineapple chunks, canned ( or tidbits - juice reserved for dressing. If using chunks roughly chop the pineapple)
- 2 T (2 T) Vegetable Oil (olive oil for sauteing)
- 1 (1 each) red bell pepper (finely diced)
- 2 Cups (280 g) Ham (finely diced, leftover easter ham is fine)
- 3 (3 stalks) green onions ( sliced thin)
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ Cup (112 g) Mayonnaise
- ¼ Cup (57.5 g) Sour Cream
- 1 T (1 T) Dijon Mustard
- pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
- 1 T (1 T) Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 T (1 T) Powdered Sugar (honey is another option)
- ¼ t (0.25 t) Garlic Powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.8 ounces Pasta
- While the pasta is cooking, drain the pineapple juice, saving it.
- In a wide bottom pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.2 T Vegetable Oil
- Saute the pineapple until it takes on a bit of color.20 ounces pineapple chunks, canned
- Deglaze the pan with the reserved pineapple juice and reduce the juice by half.pineapple juice
- When the pasta is done cooking, drain it and run under cold water.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until combined.½ Cup Mayonnaise, ¼ Cup Sour Cream, 1 T Dijon Mustard, 1 T Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 T Powdered Sugar, ¼ t Garlic Powder, Salt and pepper
- Combine all the ham and pineapple pasta ingredients in a large bowl gently toss with dressing. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving.1 red bell pepper, 2 Cups Ham, 3 green onions
- Store refrigerated up to 5 days.
Notes
Do I HAVE to reduce the pineapple juice and saute the pineapple bits?
No you do not. This added step is just to concentrate the pineapple flavor and bring added caramel color to the pineapple. You are welcome to leave the pineapple and it juice as is, adding it to the recipe. The dressing might be a bit 'looser' but will still be delicious.
How far ahead can I make this pasta salad.
I make this pasta salad recipe at least 2 hours ahead of serving. Feel free to make it the night before.
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