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Hawaiian Pasta Salad

By Lorraine

 
Hawaiian Pasta Salad with brightly colored veggies is a perfect summer salad. It is a hearty one too, with cheese tortellini, diced ham, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and pineapple in a creamy dressing.Hawaiian Pasta Salad, brightly colored with an abundance of crisp veggies makes a perfect summer salad. It is a hearty one too, with the tortellini and diced ham. I served it at a graduation party as a side dish but it would be a great entrée served with crusty bread (and maybe a glass of wine) for a lovely summer supper.
 

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Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article originally posted July 2016 with better photos and additional information.

 

Preparing the vegetables for Hawaiian pasta salad

Fresh vegetables for Hawaiian pasta salad
Wash and dry the cucumber, cherry tomatoes and bell pepper.
 
 
cheese tortellini for Hawaiian pasta salad
Cook tortellini as directed on package. Drain and cool.
 
 
fresh vegetables for Hawaiian pasta salad
While the tortellini are cooking, chop two bell peppers (you can use orange, yellow or red) into bite-size pieces. Cut 1 cucumber into quarters and slice. Thinly slice 1 small red onion. Half 16-ounces of cherry tomatoes. Chop ham into small pieces to measure about 2 cups. 
 
 
fresh vegetables for Hawaiian pasta saladIn a large bowl, combine the veggie ingredients, the drained tortellini, and a 14-ounce can of pineapple tidbits, drained, reserving 1/2 of the juice for the dressing.
 

Making the sauce for Hawaiian pasta salad

 

creamy dressing for Hawaiian pasta salad with cheese tortellini and ham
In a medium bowl, add 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 table spoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon fresh grated garlic, 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
 
 
 
creamy dressing for Hawaiian pasta salad with cheese tortellini and hamWhisk the dressing ingredients until smooth. 
 
 
 
creamy dressing for Hawaiian pasta salad with cheese tortellini and hamPour the dressing over salad ingredients.
 
 
Gently toss until well coated.
 
 
creamy dressing for Hawaiian pasta salad with cheese tortellini and ham
Refrigerate several hours before serving so the flavors have a chance to blend.
 

Here is the recipe for Hawaiian Pasta Salad.

 

 

 
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Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Originally posted on Cook Crave Inspire and slightly adapted The Slow Roasted Italian

Hawaiian Pasta Salad, brightly colored with an abundance of crisp veggies is a perfect summer salad. It is a hearty one too, with the tortellini and diced ham. A great entree served with crusty bread (and maybe a glass of wine) for a lovely summer supper.

PRINT RECIPE

SERVES 8

SALAD INGREDIENTS

  • 1 (19 ounce) bag frozen cheese tortellini pasta
  • 2 orange, yellow or red bell peppers, cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 cucumber, cut into quarters and sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 16 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 12 ounces (about 2 cups) diced ham, chopped
  • 1 (14 ounce) can pineapple tidbits in 100% pineapple juice, drained, reserving 1/2 cup juice

 

DRESSING INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise 
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the can of pineapple tidbits)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated garlic
  • 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

 

DIRECTIONS

Cook tortellini as directed on package. Drain and cool.

Combine salad ingredients and drained tortellini in a large bowl.

In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice,  sugar, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper.

Whisk the dressing ingredients until smooth.

Pour the dressing over salad ingredients, gently tossing until well coated.

Refrigerate several hours before serving so the flavors have a chance to blend.

 

 

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Easy Bread Suggestions to serve with salad…

Homemade Potato Bread

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Almost No-Knead BreadHomemade rustic bread with a crusty exterior and deliciously chewy center with easy almost no-knead recipe from Cooks Illustrated.

 

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No-yeast Quick Bread suggestions…

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Comments

  2. Pondside says

    This looks like a 'keeper'! I think it would be a lovely salad for a pot luck and I'm always looking for something new. Your family photos are beautiful. After all these years I see the changes in the grandchildren – lovely across the miles to share this virtual acquaintance.

    Reply

  4. Debbie says

    The salad sounds soo good. I wonder if I can find that pasta in a gluten free way? I'd love to make it if I could. The family pics are such good ones. Glad your summer is going well.

    Reply

  5. Cheryl says

    That looks like some refreshing summer eating!!

    I always enjoy seeing your family photos! Lots of "happenings" in your world, which comes with having lots of people to love. Good times!

    Reply

  6. Debby Ray says

    Well it looks as though you certainly have had a busy month! I saw this beautiful salad on your facebook page…it is truly beautiful and looks delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe and enjoy your week 🙂

    Reply

  7. Lynn says

    These Hawaiian salads have been catching my eye recently, nice to know someone that tried one! I'll add it to the list-Happy Summer:@)

    Reply

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