Dinner

Pineapple Salsa Pasta Salad Recipe

ByIsabella Vance January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

Introduction

This Pineapple Salsa Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm weather or as a flavorful side. Sweet pineapple and spicy jalapeños create a delightful balance in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser.

The image shows a bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad made of several layers. The bottom layer is small bowtie pasta in a light yellow color with a creamy texture. Mixed into the pasta, the next layers include small diced pieces of red bell pepper, purple onion, green jalapeño, and bright yellow pineapple, all spread evenly throughout. The salad looks fresh with visible bits of herbs adding green specks. In the background, there are small clear glass bowls with more diced red bell pepper, purple onion, and pineapple, along with a sliced green jalapeño and green herbs. The bowl is white, placed on a white marbled surface with a mustard yellow cloth near the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz dry bowtie pasta
2 1/2 cups diced fresh pineapple, reserve the juice
3/4 cup diced red pepper
3/4 cup chopped red onion (about ½ small onion)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 jalapeños, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
1/4 cup sour cream
3 tbsp lime juice (about 1 ½ limes)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1/2 teaspoon)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and allow it to cool completely.
Step 2: Cut fresh pineapple into bite-sized pieces, keeping some of the juice for the dressing. Chop the red pepper, red onion, and cilantro into small pieces. Finely chop the jalapeños after removing the seeds and ribs.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with pineapple, red pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeños. Toss gently to mix.
Step 4: Mince the garlic clove finely for the dressing.
Step 5: In a separate container, whisk together Greek yogurt, reserved pineapple juice, sour cream, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
Step 6: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
Step 7: Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce or omit the jalapeños.
Add diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess and flavor.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
To enhance the tang, add a little extra lime juice or a pinch of chili powder to the dressing.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. If it feels too thick after refrigeration, a splash of pineapple juice or lime juice can help loosen it up. This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad. The salad has one main layer of small bowtie-shaped pasta that is creamy white and smooth in texture. Mixed evenly throughout the pasta are small cubes of red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow pineapple, and purple-red onion, adding vibrant red, green, yellow, and purple colors. Small green herbs are scattered on top, giving fresh green spots. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface with some green cilantro leaves visible at the bottom left of the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually tastes better after the flavors meld for a few hours in the fridge. Prepare it a day ahead and keep it chilled until ready to serve.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

You can use regular plain yogurt or mayonnaise as alternatives. Yogurt keeps it light and creamy, while mayonnaise adds richness. Adjust quantities to taste.