Tender pasta blends with ham, pineapple, vegetables, and creamy ranch for a vibrant, refreshing dish.
# 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, reserved from can
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)
# How To Make It:
01 - Prepare pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Allow pasta to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, diced ham, drained pineapple tidbits, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped celery, finely diced red onion, and thawed peas.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, pineapple juice, lime juice, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
04 - Pour dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently with a spatula or large spoon until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving, if desired.
