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Fresh Hawaiian Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Tropical Twist for Summer Parties

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A bright and breezy pasta salad featuring juicy pineapple, crisp veggies, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing with a tropical twist, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or spiral pasta
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned in juice, drained)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/3 cup toasted macadamia nuts, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain well (about 5 minutes).
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup chopped macadamia nuts and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Dice 1 red bell pepper, 1 cup cucumber (peeled), and shred 1/2 cup carrot. Chop 1/4 cup green onions. Drain and roughly chop 1 cup pineapple chunks if using fresh.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, pineapple, bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, and green onions. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly. Fold in the toasted macadamia nuts last to keep them crunchy.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Give it a gentle toss just before plating.

Notes

If salad feels dry after chilling, stir in a splash of extra lime juice or a small drizzle of olive oil. Drain pineapple well to avoid sogginess. Toasting macadamia nuts adds a buttery crunch. For dairy-free, swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or extra mayo. Use rice pasta for gluten-free option. Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian pasta salad, tropical pasta salad, summer pasta salad, pineapple pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, potluck salad

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/fresh-hawaiian-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-tropical-twist-for-summer-parties/