Pasta salad is one of those things that you either like or you don’t and I happen to like it. I have a few standard pasta salad recipes that I make such as a mediterranean one and one that is loaded with veggies. This cold Summer Pasta Salad recipe is perfect for summer because the pineapple dressing makes it taste so fresh.
One of the nice things about this recipe is that you can change it by adding different vegetables or omitting the ham if you prefer. It makes a nice side dish for Easter and is perfect to bring to summer picnics and potlucks.
Summer Pasta Salad Recipe:
4 cups cooked pasta (I like using macaroni or bows)
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1-2 cups cubed cooked ham
1 carrot, shredded
1/2 a cucumber, sliced and chopped in half
salt + pepper, to taste
Pineapple Dressing Recipe:
1/2 cup pineapple juice or liquid from can, optional
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. plain greek yogurt, optional
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 – 1 Tbsp. sugar
- Cook pasta according to package directions and then run under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, pineapple, ham, carrots, and cucumber.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the mayonnaise, greek yogurt, cider vinegar, and sugar. Taste and make adjustments if needed.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir to coat.
- Season with salt & pepper.
Store in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to serve. Serve chilled. If you’re bringing this dish to a potluck or a picnic, be sure to remember to bring some serving spoons. If it’s going to be a large group, you can double the recipe as it doubles well.
This fresh tasting cold pasta salad is perfect for a summer potluck or picnic.
- 4 cups cooked pasta I like using macaroni or bows
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1-2 cups cubed cooked ham
- 1 carrot shredded
- 1/2 a cucumber sliced and chopped in half
- salt + pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice or liquid from can optional
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. plain greek yogurt optional
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 - 1 Tbsp. sugar
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Cook pasta according to package directions and then run under cold water.
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In a large bowl, combine the pasta, pineapple, ham, carrots, and cucumber.
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In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the mayonnaise, greek yogurt, cider vinegar, and sugar. Taste and make adjustments if needed.
-
Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir to coat.
-
Season with salt & pepper.
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Store in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to serve. Serve chilled.
Kids like the ham and pineapple aspect of this pasta salad. You can tell them it’s “Hawaiian Pasta Salad” if it helps them be willing to try it. And once they try it, chances are, they’ll be asking for seconds!
If you’re looking for other easy pot luck salad recipes, check out this bright summery Caprese Salad or our Thai Noodle Salad. 
