This summer pasta salad recipe is rich and creamy, loaded with tasty ingredients and dressed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Ideal for summer gatherings!
I'm so happy that longer days and warm temperatures are finally here! We enjoy grilling and have already done so several times this Spring/early Summer! I always ensure that we have tasty side dishes to complement our grilled meals, and what goes better with grilled meat than a refreshing cold pasta salad.
This side dish recipe came from my husband's grandmother! It may be a classic, but it's a reliable one that makes use of simple ingredients you likely have on hand! This dish is easy to prepare and pairs well with veggie burger, hamburger, chicken, steak, pork chops, or any other items you're grilling or baking!
Your mom or grandma may have made a macaroni salad full of sweet pickle relish and sugar. Keep reading to discover how to create a tasty summer pasta salad that differs from your grandma's traditional recipe.
What You Need
Rotini or Shell Pasta
Cooked Ham
Cheddar Cheese cubes
Frozen Peas
Sour Cream
Mayonnaise
Lemon Juice
Parmesan Cheese
Dill Weed
Salt
Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes
Tips for Making Ham & Cheese Pasta Salad
Use your favorite pasta
Add more fresh ingredients to the pasta salad like a red or green bell pepper, carrots, or red onion
If you don't have leftover ham, you can buy a ham steak at your local grocery store
Lighter versions of the salad could include reduced fat sour cream and mayonnaise
Garnish with black olives, stuffed olives, boiled egg wedges or cherry tomatoes, if desired
More Delicious Side Dishes
How to Make Ham & Cheese Pasta Salad
This recipe comes together very quickly using simple ingredients!
Step 1: Set out frozen peas to thaw. While peas are thawing, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and run cold water over the pasta to cool it down (this may need to be done a couple of times, moving the pasta so the cold water covers all pasta) and set aside. Cube the ham and cheddar cheese into 1/2 inch pieces and place in a large bowl. Once pasta is cool, combine with cubed ham, cheddar cheese, and thawed peas and toss.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, dill weed, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Pour over the pasta, ham, cheese and peas and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for several hour or overnight. Toss before serving. If the salad appears dry, use additional sour cream and/or mayonnaise if necessary.
1)Add mayonnaise and sour cream mixture to pasta and ham and 2) mix until fully combined and sprinkle with dill weed.
How to Store Ham & Cheese Pasta Salad
Store this delicious pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Thanks to the ham and cheese in this pasta salad, it makes a yummy and filling main dish for lunch the next day!
This pasta salad is full of fresh flavors and is Forkin' Good!
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