Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering culinary adventure that combines the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and refreshing flavors! This Fruity Pasta Salad with Ham is not just another recipe - it's a game-changing dish that will become your go-to summer favorite. Imagine a vibrant medley of tender pasta, juicy ham, burst-in-your-mouth pineapple, and zesty cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing that will make your palate dance with joy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., rotini)
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Use a large pot of salted boiling water and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- While the pasta is cooling, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the ham into small cubes, ensuring they are bite-sized for easy mixing and eating.
- Next, dice the pineapple into small chunks. If using fresh pineapple, ensure it is ripe and sweet for the best flavor. If using canned pineapple, drain it well before dicing.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes. This will add a burst of color and flavor to your salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced ham, pineapple chunks, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until well combined. This will serve as the dressing for your pasta salad.
- Pour the mayonnaise and mustard mixture over the pasta and other ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss again. You can garnish with additional cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve the fruity pasta salad chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish or a light main course. Enjoy!
Tips
- Always rinse your pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping. This ensures a perfect texture in your salad.
- For maximum flavor, use ripe, sweet pineapple. If using canned, make sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This simple step can dramatically enhance the overall taste.
- Feel free to customize! Add some chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra flavor boost.
- This salad is incredibly versatile - it can be a quick lunch, a picnic favorite, or a crowd-pleasing side dish at your next barbecue.
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients when mixing the dressing to help it combine more smoothly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 271kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
