Craving a quick, delicious meal that'll have everyone begging for seconds? Look no further than this irresistible Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad! Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a speedy weeknight dinner, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, flavor-packed dish that'll make your taste buds dance. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a crowd-pleasing meal that's both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the ham into small cubes, shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded, slice the green onions, and dice the bell pepper into small pieces.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Let it drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled elbow macaroni, diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and diced bell pepper.
- Add the mayonnaise to the bowl, mixing everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise based on your preference for creaminess.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir and taste one last time. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta prevents the salad from becoming mushy when mixed with other ingredients.
- Cool pasta completely: Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from clumping together.
- Customize your mix-ins: Feel free to add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or swap ham for rotisserie chicken for variety.
- Make ahead friendly: This pasta salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Mayo matters: Use full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture, or substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Seasoning is key: Don't be shy with salt and pepper - they bring out the flavors of the ham and cheese.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum flexibility and convenience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
