Awesome Ham Pasta Salad – Creamy, Colorful, and Perfect
Awesome Ham Pasta Salad is creamy, hearty, and full of colorful ingredients.Tender pasta and savory ham create a satisfying base.Cheddar cheese and peas add richness and sweetness.Bell peppers provide freshness and crunch.The tangy dressing blends all the flavors beautifully.Perfect for picnics, meal prep, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 ounces rotini or elbow pasta
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add pasta, diced ham, cheddar cheese, peas, bell pepper, celery, and red onion.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Stir gently, garnish with extra cheese or parsley, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Leftover holiday ham works perfectly.
- Rotini holds dressing exceptionally well.
- Rinse pasta to cool it quickly.
- Frozen peas add natural sweetness.
- Sharp cheddar offers the best flavour.
- Chill for deeper flavor.
- Add extra dressing if the salad thickens.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container.