Tropical pasta mix featuring ham, pineapple, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tangy dressing for refreshing meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz rotini or bow tie pasta
02 - 1 tsp salt for boiling water
→ Salad Mix-ins
03 - 7 oz cooked ham, diced
04 - 8 oz canned pineapple tidbits, drained
05 - 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
07 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
08 - 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
→ Dressing
09 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing
10 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
11 - 1 tbsp pineapple juice from canned tidbits
12 - 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
→ Garnish
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
# Step-by-step Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini or bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow to cool completely.
02 - Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add diced ham, drained pineapple tidbits, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and thawed peas. Toss gently to combine.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, reserved pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, black pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined.
04 - Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently and thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Remove from refrigeration and stir gently. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving if desired.
