Tropical Ham & Pineapple Macaroni Salad
This Tropical Ham & Pineapple Macaroni Salad combines the sweetness of ripe pineapple and tangy cranberries with savory cubes of Virginia-baked ham. A delightful dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks, it's designed for easy customization—letting everyone pick and choose their favorite ingredients. This vibrant salad is not only refreshing but also hearty enough to be a standout side dish or a light main course. With a creamy, zesty dressing made from Miracle Whip and a hint of North Woods Fire seasoning, it brings a taste of the islands straight to your table.
24-36
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ditalini pasta
1 lb (cooked)
Miracle Whip
2 cups (none)
Raw cranberries
1 cup (frozen)
Chunk pineapple
14 ounces (drained)
Virginia-baked ham
1 lb (cubed)
Red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
Vegetable stock cube
1 (none)
Hot water
1/3 cup (none)
Penzeys North Woods Fire seasoning
1 tablespoon (none)
Hard-boiled eggs
2 (sliced for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, dissolve the vegetable stock cube and North Woods Fire seasoning in the hot water. Set aside to cool.
2
Boil the eggs for about 10 minutes until hard-boiled. When done, add the frozen cranberries to the same pot of hot water (turned off) to lightly soften them. After 10 minutes, drain both the eggs and cranberries and cool them in the freezer for a few minutes.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ditalini pasta, Miracle Whip, softened cranberries, drained pineapple, cubed ham, and chopped red bell pepper. Mix well.
4
Once the cooled eggs are ready, peel and slice them, setting aside a few slices for garnish.
5
Pour the cooled stock mixture over the pasta salad and stir until everything is evenly coated.
6
Transfer the macaroni salad to a serving dish, garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs, and sprinkle a little extra North Woods seasoning or paprika on top for added flair.
7
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Ham & Pineapple Macaroni Salad?
It is a vibrant, sweet, and savory salad featuring ditalini pasta, Virginia-baked ham, pineapple, cranberries, and a zesty Miracle Whip dressing seasoned with North Woods Fire seasoning.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of ditalini pasta, which is a small, tube-shaped pasta perfect for macaroni salads.
Can I substitute Miracle Whip with regular mayonnaise?
Yes, while Miracle Whip provides a specific zesty flavor, you can use regular mayonnaise if you prefer a less tangy taste.
How should I prepare the raw cranberries?
The frozen raw cranberries should be added to the hot water after boiling the eggs (with the heat turned off) to lightly soften them for 10 minutes.
What is Penzeys North Woods Fire seasoning?
It is a specific seasoning blend that adds a hint of smoky heat and depth to the dressing, characteristic of this tropical recipe.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed for large gatherings, making approximately 24 to 36 servings.
What type of ham is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 lb of cubed Virginia-baked ham for its savory and slightly sweet profile.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Why is a vegetable stock cube used?
The stock cube is dissolved in hot water to create a concentrated flavor base that is mixed into the dressing for extra depth.
Is this salad suitable for a barbecue or picnic?
Yes, its refreshing tropical flavors and hearty ingredients make it an ideal side dish for outdoor gatherings and potlucks.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely, though the recipe calls for 14 ounces of drained chunk pineapple, fresh ripe pineapple can be a delicious substitution.
How are the eggs used in this recipe?
Two hard-boiled eggs are sliced and used as a garnish on top of the finished salad.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The primary vegetable added is one chopped red bell pepper for color and crunch.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is categorized under '< 60 Mins', making it a relatively fast option for meal prep.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it a few hours or even a day in advance allows the pasta to absorb the flavors even better.
How do I cool the eggs and cranberries quickly?
After draining, you can place them in the freezer for a few minutes to speed up the cooling process.
What can I substitute for North Woods Fire seasoning?
If unavailable, you can use a mix of smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder.
Does the recipe require draining the pineapple?
Yes, ensure the pineapple chunks are well-drained to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
How do I assemble the dressing?
The dressing consists of Miracle Whip mixed with a cooled mixture of dissolved vegetable stock and seasoning.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a mild kick from the North Woods Fire seasoning, but it is generally considered refreshing rather than hot.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, elbow macaroni or small shells would also work well with these ingredients.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
No, this recipe contains Virginia-baked ham. To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the ham or use a plant-based substitute.
How should I store the leftovers?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I use dried cranberries?
While the recipe specifies raw frozen cranberries for a tangy pop, dried cranberries can be used for a sweeter, chewier texture.
What is the serving size for this salad?
The serving size is not strictly defined, but it is meant to serve a large group of 24 to 36 people as a side dish.
Is the pasta cooked before mixing?
Yes, the ditalini pasta should be cooked and ready before combining with the other ingredients.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, the recipe is highly customizable; celery or green onions would make excellent additions.
Should the stock mixture be hot when added to the pasta?
No, it is important to let the stock and seasoning mixture cool before pouring it over the salad.
What makes this salad 'Tropical'?
The combination of pineapple and ham, often associated with Hawaiian flavors, gives this salad its tropical theme.
Can I use Miracle Whip Light?
Yes, Miracle Whip Light can be used to reduce the calorie content without significantly changing the flavor profile.