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Tropical Pasta Salad Recipe

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This Tropical Pasta Salad recipe is a delicious summer dish. Not only is it a delicious macaroni salad but it’s also an easy side dish to whip up as well.

When it comes to Hawaiian pasta salad, you’re not going to get a better flavor this simple recipe. Packed full of vegetables and fruit, this authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad is going to have everyone asking for seconds. It would pair up nicely with some Kalua pork or other Hawaiian meat recipe as well.

tart pineapple pairs fabulously in this pasta salad side dish

Once you whip up this simple pasta recipe, all you really need to do it cover and refrigerate to really let your flavors combine together perfectly.

Tropical Pasta Salad Recipe

This pasta salad recipe is really, really simple. And adding a dash of salt and pepper at the end can really help to enhance the flavor as well.

If this isn’t already on the menu at a Hawaiian restaurant, it should be! My boys love to eat and this is one of their favorite pasta salad dishes! The sweetness and the crunch make everyone really happy and full!

easy hawaiian side dish recipe

Why is it best to add noodles to a pot of salted water?

Adding your noodles to a large pot of salted water just helps add a bit of flavor to your noodles and can also help them to prevent sticking together as well.

All you have to do is bring a large pot of water to a bowl and then add in your noodles according to the directions on the back of your noodle box.

Specialty Ingredients:

The following ingredients are affiliate links on Amazon because they may be a bit hard to find in your normal store.  I wanted you to be able to see exactly which things we are using.

Reminder, not all ingredients in the Tropical Pasta Salad Recipe are linked above, just the ones that may be a bit difficult to find or that you might be unsure of what to look for

Shop My Kitchen:

The following items can be found in my kitchen here at Miller Manor. Simply click the image that interests you – yes, they do contain affiliate links.

Must Have Resources:

When making Tropical Pasta Salad Recipe at home, you really need to have the following Amazon affiliate tools on hand.

2 Pack Apronner Bib Aprons for Women Soft Cotton Linen Kitchen Cooking Chef Apron with Pockets Adjustable Machine Washable 003Meat Chopper, Hamburger Chopper, Premium Heat Resistant Mix Chopper, Ground Beef Chopper Tool & Meat Fork, Potato Masher,Safe for Non-Stick CookwareFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 15 Piece, PewterFast Defrosting Tray - Meat Thawing Board for Natural Thawing Frozen Meat and Food - Miracle Thaw for Fridge - Rapid Thaw Defrosting Plate to Keep Original Food Flavor - Large with Drip Tray

 

Make it a Meal:

Worried about meal planning? Don’t be. I’ve been meal planning for years and love it! It’s saved me so much time in the kitchen and allows me to focus on other things as well.

You’ll see just a quick sample of an easy meal plan below!

Main Dish: Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin

Vegetable Side: Easy Grilled Vegetables

Refreshing Drink: Cotton Candy Mocktail

Don’t forget Dessert: Fruit Kebobs with Yogurt Dip

Best Pasta Recipes:

Once you make this Tropical Pasta Salad Recipe Recipe, your mind is going to be on all things pasta! And since there are so many different ways to make up a large bowl of pasta, I thought you could use a few more delicious recipe options.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is another one of my favorite recipes that really packs in a ton of taste and flavor.

Buffalo Pasta Salad will add just the right amount of heat to every single bite.

This Instant Pot Pizza Pasta recipe is a great taste and so much fun to make.

If you’re looking for a simple recipe, this Italian Sausage and Pasta is perfect!

Want a few more veggies in your life? Whip up this Creamy Mushroom and Broccoli Bow Tie Pasta dish!

Baked Chicken and Pasta is one of our favorite weeknight meals.

And just in case you need even more ideas, don’t miss out on these 32 Easy Pasta recipes!

this pineapple pasta salad is perfect for your next luau

Can you use another noodle besides macaroni noodles?

You can. While I like the texture of the macaroni noodles the best, you can also use spiral noodles or even bow-tie noodles, too.

I’d stay clear of spaghetti type noodles or long noodles like that though as it would really change up the texture by quite a bit.

How do you make pasta salad not soggy?

To make sure your pasta salad doesn’t end up soggy, it’s crucial to follow a few simple steps. One of the most important is to rinse your pasta with cold water after boiling it until it’s al dente. This will halt the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming overcooked and waterlogged.

Additionally, it’s a great idea to toss the pasta with a flavorful dressing as soon as it’s done cooking, while it’s still warm. This way, the pasta will absorb the flavors of the dressing better.

Finally, be sure to add your vegetables and other ingredients right before serving, so they maintain their texture and don’t release excess moisture that could make your pasta salad limp.

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to enjoy a perfectly textured and delicious pasta salad every time!

Is pasta salad better made the day before?

Pasta salad is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for a potluck, a family gathering, or a summer picnic, pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

But, have you ever wondered if it’s better to make it the day before? The answer is yes, it is!

Making pasta salad the day before allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and aromatic dish.

Furthermore, the pasta has time to absorb the dressing, making it more flavorful and preventing it from becoming dry.

So, the next time you make pasta salad, consider preparing it the day before for a tastier and more enjoyable experience.

How do you cool down pasta for pasta salad?

Pasta salad is a versatile and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a hot summer day. To cool down pasta for pasta salad, first, you’ll want to stop the cooking process by draining the pasta and rinsing it under cold water.

This not only cools the pasta down quickly but also prevents it from sticking together. Once the pasta is cool, give it a good shake to remove any excess water and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

Flavor your cooled pasta with your favorite mix-ins such as diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives.

Finally, add your favorite dressing and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.

Store in the refrigerator for an hour or two to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing pasta salad!

Why is pasta rinsed in cold water after boiling?

Pasta is a staple food that is enjoyed all over the world. After boiling your pasta to your preferred texture, most people will rinse it in cold water. This may seem like a strange practice, but it actually serves a valuable purpose.

Rinsing the pasta helps to stop the cooking process and cool down the temperature of the pasta. This is particularly important if you are planning on serving your pasta as a cold dish.

Additionally, rinsing your pasta can help to remove any excess starch that has formed during the boiling process. This can prevent your pasta from becoming sticky and clumpy.

So the next time you make pasta at home, be sure to take the extra step of rinsing it in cold water before serving.

Why do you put salt in pasta water?

Salt is an essential ingredient in most recipes, including pasta dishes. Adding salt to the boiling pasta water helps give the noodles a tasty flavor that complements the overall dish.

But the purpose of salting pasta water goes beyond flavor, as it also aids in the cooking process. Salt helps raise the boiling point of water, allowing the pasta to cook evenly.

Additionally, salt helps keep the noodles from sticking together, creating a perfectly cooked batch of pasta every time.

So the next time you are cooking up a savory plate of pasta, remember the importance of salting your water for optimum taste and texture.

How long does homemade pasta salad last in the fridge?

Homemade pasta salad is a delectable dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. If you’re wondering how long it lasts in the fridge, the answer is typically around 3-5 days. However, this time frame can vary depending on the ingredients used in the salad.

Mixing in fresh ingredients like vegetables, herbs, or fruits can reduce the shelf life of the pasta salad. It’s important to store the pasta salad in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Additionally, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating, such as an unusual smell or texture.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your homemade pasta salad is both delicious and safe to eat.

More Hawaiian Recipes:

Tropical Macaroni Salad

Tropical Pasta Salad Recipe

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Don't miss out on the fun flavors of this pasta salad dish!

Ingredients

  • 1 16 oz. box elbow macaroni (cooked according to package directions )
  • 1 Cup Red Onion finely chopped
  • 1 Cup Celery finely chopped
  • 1 Cup Carrots finely chopped
  • 1 Cup Red Pepper finely chopped
  • 2 Green Onions finely chopped
  • 2 Hardboiled Eggs finely chopped
  • 1 Can Pineapple Chunks
  • ¼ Cup Sour Cream
  • ¼ Cup Mayonnaise
  • ½ Cup Hawaiian marinade

Instructions

    Grab a mixing bowl and combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and Hawaiian marinade. Mix them until they are blended well.

    Next add in your chopped veggies, pineapple, and cooked macaroni and top it with dressing. Once that is done, you're going to stir it until it's well combined and coated.

    Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 338Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 538mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 4gSugar: 13gProtein: 9g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Now is the perfect time to whip up this simple dish! I can’t wait to hear what you think about the awesome flavor and crunch!

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