Name: Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sweet pickle relish; 1 tbsp milk; Salt and ground black pepper; 16 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta; 8 oz cooked ham; 8 oz Cheddar Cheese; 1 cup frozen peas; ½ cup onion; 1 stalk celery; 2 tbsp pimento

Indulge in a flavorful and easy-to-make ham and cheese pasta salad that combines the creaminess of mayonnaise with the sweetness of pickle relish. This dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a simple family dinner, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Photos of Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe

While most ingredients in this recipe are commonly found, you might need to make a special trip to the supermarket for sweet pickle relish and pimento. Sweet pickle relish adds a tangy sweetness, while pimento offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad

mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing, adding richness and moisture to the salad.

sweet pickle relish: Adds a tangy sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the dish.

milk: Thins the mayonnaise mixture, making it easier to coat the pasta evenly.

salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad.

ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and depth to the dressing.

farfalle (bow-tie) pasta: The main body of the salad, offering a delightful texture and shape.

cooked ham: Provides a savory, satisfying protein element.

cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, sharp flavor that pairs well with the ham.

frozen peas: Offers a pop of color and a slight sweetness to the salad.

onion: Contributes a crunchy texture and a sharp, pungent flavor.

celery: Adds a crisp, fresh texture that complements the other ingredients.

pimento: Provides a mild, sweet flavor and a burst of color.

One reader, Arty Griffis says:

This ham and cheese pasta salad is a delightful blend of flavors! The creamy dressing perfectly complements the savory ham and cheddar, while the peas and pimento add a nice crunch. It's easy to make and a hit at gatherings. Highly recommend for a refreshing and satisfying dish!

Arty Griffis

Essential Techniques for Making Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad

How to whisk mayonnaise mixture: Combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, and milk in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

How to cook pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the bow-tie pasta and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through yet firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl.

How to mix ingredients: Gently stir the cooked ham, cheddar cheese, peas, onion, celery, and pimento into the cooked pasta. Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the pasta mixture and toss to evenly coat.

How to refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours to overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

How To Make Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad

Turn your favorite sandwich into a pasta salad with this recipe. Ham, cheese, celery, and bell peppers with some farfalle complete this dish.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cupmayonnaise
¼cupsweet pickle relish
1tbspmilk,or more to taste
salt and ground black pepper,to taste
16ozfarfalle (bow-tie) pasta
8ozcooked ham,cut into 1-inch cubes
8ozCheddar cheese,cut into 1-inch cubes
1cupfrozen peas,thawed
½cuponion,minced
1stalk celery,thinly sliced
2tbsppimento,diced

Instructions

Whisk mayonnaise, pickle relish, and milk in a bowl until combined; season with salt and black pepper. Chill in refrigerator while preparing remaining ingredients.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook bow-tie pasta at a boil for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through yet firm to the bite; drain and transfer to a large bowl.
Gently stir ham, Cheddar cheese, peas, onion, celery, and pimento into pasta. Pour mayonnaise mixture over pasta mixture and toss to evenly coat.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours to overnight.

Nutrition

Calories: 251.18kcal
Fat: 12.10g
Saturated Fat: 4.10g
Trans Fat: 0.17g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.28g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.84g
Carbohydrates: 25.21g
Fiber: 1.73g
Sugar: 2.67g
Protein: 10.05g
Cholesterol: 25.45mg
Sodium: 339.61mg
Calcium: 111.44mg
Potassium: 149.28mg
Iron: 0.76mg
Vitamin A: 51.29µg
Vitamin C: 3.83mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting This Pasta Salad Recipe

To ensure your pasta salad has the perfect texture, rinse the farfalle under cold water immediately after draining. This stops the cooking process and helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Pasta Salad Recipe

Pre-make the dressing: Whisk the mayonnaise, pickle relish, and milk the night before and store it in the refrigerator.

Use pre-cooked ham: Save time by buying pre-cooked ham and dicing it instead of cooking it yourself.

Frozen peas: No need to thaw the frozen peas; they will thaw quickly when mixed with the warm pasta.

Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Chop veggies in advance: Dice the onion and celery ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.

Substitute Ingredients For Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe

mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with a tangy flavor and is lower in fat.
sweet pickle relish - Substitute with dill pickle relish: Dill pickle relish offers a more tangy and less sweet flavor, which can add a different dimension to the salad.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used for a dairy-free option and provides a slightly nutty flavor.
farfalle (bow-tie) pasta - Substitute with rotini pasta: Rotini pasta has a similar texture and holds the dressing well, making it a good alternative.
cooked ham - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is a leaner option and provides a similar meaty texture.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese has a milder flavor and melts well, making it a suitable substitute.
frozen peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame offers a similar texture and adds a slightly nutty flavor, along with extra protein.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can be more subtle in the salad.
celery - Substitute with cucumber: Cucumber provides a similar crunch and a refreshing flavor, making it a good alternative.
pimento - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell pepper offers a similar color and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.

Presentation Tips for Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the ham and cheese pasta salad in elegant, small bowls or plates to emphasize refinement and control over portion size.
Use decoration: Garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Layer ingredients: Create a visually appealing dish by layering the pasta, ham, cheddar cheese, and vegetables in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures.
Add texture: Incorporate a crunchy element like toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on top to add a contrasting texture to the creamy mayonnaise mixture.
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially the ham and cheddar cheese, are of the highest quality to enhance the overall flavor and presentation.
Chill properly: Serve the salad well-chilled, ensuring it has been refrigerated for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to be refreshing.
Plate with precision: Use a ring mold to shape the pasta salad into a neat, compact form on the plate, giving it a professional and polished look.
Drizzle with dressing: Just before serving, lightly drizzle some extra mayonnaise mixture over the top for added visual appeal and flavor.
Highlight individual components: Arrange a few key ingredients, like slices of ham and cubes of cheddar cheese, around the main dish to highlight the quality and care put into each element.
Serve with a side: Pair the ham and cheese pasta salad with a small side of crusty bread or crackers to complement the creamy texture and add an additional layer of sophistication.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pasta Salad

Whisk: Used to combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, and milk into a smooth mixture.
Mixing bowl: Needed for whisking the mayonnaise mixture and for mixing the pasta salad ingredients together.
Large pot: Used to boil the pasta until it is cooked through yet firm to the bite.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta after boiling.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the ham, cheddar cheese, onion, celery, and pimento.
Chef's knife: Used for chopping the ham, cheddar cheese, onion, celery, and pimento into small pieces.
Measuring cups: Needed to measure out the mayonnaise, pickle relish, and milk accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the milk and pimento accurately.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the bowl of pasta salad before refrigerating.
Refrigerator: Necessary for chilling the mayonnaise mixture and for refrigerating the pasta salad to allow the flavors to meld together.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad

To store the ham and cheese pasta salad, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. If the salad seems a bit dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or milk to freshen it up.
For optimal texture and flavor, consume the pasta salad within the first 2-3 days of storage.
Freezing this pasta salad is not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables will become mushy and unappetizing upon thawing. The mayonnaise-based dressing may also separate and lose its creamy consistency.
If you anticipate having leftovers, consider preparing a smaller batch of the pasta salad or inviting friends and family to share in the delicious creation while it's at its best.

Interesting Trivia About Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad

A random fact about this recipe is that it combines the creamy texture of mayonnaise with the savory flavors of ham and cheddar cheese. The addition of sweet pickle relish adds a tangy sweetness, while the pasta provides a hearty base. This pasta salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks because it can be made ahead and served cold.

Is Making Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad Cost-Effective?

This ham and cheese pasta salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like mayonnaise, pickle relish, bow-tie pasta, ham, and cheddar cheese are relatively inexpensive and can be bought in bulk. The addition of frozen peas, onion, celery, and pimento further enhances the dish without significantly increasing the cost. Overall, this recipe scores an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-$15 USD.

Is This Pasta Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The ham and cheese pasta salad recipe, while tasty, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe is high in fat due to the mayonnaise, cheese, and ham. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
The pasta is a refined carbohydrate, which can cause blood sugar spikes and provide fewer nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
The recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The sodium content may be high due to the ham, cheese, and added salt, which can contribute to high blood pressure in some individuals.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the regular mayonnaise for a lighter, olive oil-based dressing or a combination of Greek yogurt and avocado for a creamy texture with healthier fats.
Use whole grain pasta instead of regular bow-tie pasta to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients.
Reduce the amount of ham and cheese, or opt for lower-fat alternatives like turkey ham and reduced-fat cheddar.
Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the salad. Add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and spinach for added color, crunch, and nutrients.
Use fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt.

Editor's Opinion on This Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad

This ham and cheese pasta salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The creamy mayonnaise dressing, enhanced by the sweet pickle relish, adds a tangy richness that complements the savory ham and sharp cheddar cheese. The addition of peas, onion, celery, and pimento provides a refreshing crunch and vibrant color. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for gatherings. Overall, it's a well-balanced, satisfying salad that's perfect for any occasion.

Enhance Your Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: For a refreshing contrast to the creamy ham and cheese pasta salad, consider serving grilled asparagus with a sprinkle of lemon zest. The bright citrus notes will elevate the dish, adding a burst of freshness that complements the savory flavors.

Garlic Breadsticks: Pair your pasta salad with warm, buttery garlic breadsticks. The crispy exterior and soft, garlicky interior make for a delightful textural contrast, perfect for soaking up any extra dressing.

Tomato Basil Soup: A bowl of tomato basil soup can add a comforting and hearty element to your meal. The rich, tangy tomato base, infused with aromatic basil, creates a harmonious balance with the creamy pasta salad.

Mixed Berry Parfait: For a sweet finish, serve a mixed berry parfait. Layers of fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola provide a delightful contrast to the savory main course, making for a well-rounded meal.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Add a touch of natural sweetness with roasted sweet potatoes. Their caramelized edges and tender interior offer a deliciously earthy complement to the ham and cheese pasta salad, creating a satisfying and balanced plate.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Like This Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: Combine the classic flavors of Caesar salad with pasta for a delightful twist. Toss grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons with Caesar dressing and pasta for a refreshing main course.

Tuna Macaroni Salad: A creamy and satisfying dish featuring tuna, macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and onion. Mix with a tangy mayonnaise dressing for a protein-packed meal.

Greek Orzo Salad: Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with orzo pasta, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Dress with a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a vibrant and healthy dish.

BLT Pasta Salad: Enjoy the beloved bacon, lettuce, and tomato combination in a pasta salad form. Mix crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and pasta with a creamy ranch dressing for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Southwest Pasta Salad: Spice things up with a Southwest-inspired pasta salad. Combine black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onions, and cilantro with pasta and a zesty lime dressing for a bold and flavorful dish.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine plump mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushrooms are then baked to perfection, creating a warm, creamy, and slightly crispy bite. These little morsels are perfect for any gathering, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve them hot and watch them disappear quickly.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that never fails to impress. Start with slices of toasted baguette topped with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. The combination of the crispy bread and the fresh, juicy topping is simply irresistible. This appetizer is not only delicious but also adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light starter before a hearty main course.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse that melts in your mouth. The velvety texture of the mousse pairs perfectly with a hint of espresso to elevate the flavor profile. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant finish. Serve in individual glass cups for a sophisticated presentation that will impress your guests.

Lemon Tart: Delight your taste buds with a zesty lemon tart that balances tartness and sweetness. The buttery crust provides a perfect base for the tangy lemon curd, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries for a burst of color and freshness. This dessert is ideal for those who appreciate a refreshing and light end to their meal.

Why trust this Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe:

This ham and cheese pasta salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. The creamy mayonnaise dressing, combined with the tangy pickle relish, adds a unique twist to the classic pasta salad. The ham and cheddar cheese provide a savory depth, while the peas, onion, and celery add a refreshing crunch. This recipe has been meticulously crafted to ensure a balanced and satisfying dish that will impress your guests. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this tried-and-true favorite.

Share your thoughts on this Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make it even better!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like. Rotini, penne, or even macaroni would work well in this salad.

How long can I store the pasta salad in the fridge?

You can store the pasta salad in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Of course! Feel free to add any veggies you enjoy. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even cucumbers would be great additions.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you're not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute. It will give a slightly different flavor but still be delicious.

Do I need to thaw the frozen peas before adding them?

Nope, no need to thaw the peas. Just toss them in frozen, and they'll thaw quickly in the salad.