Creamy Ham Pasta Salad is Tender macaroni, savory ham, cheese, crisp vegetables, and sweet peas are tossed in a rich, creamy homemade dressing for a side dish that’s satisfying enough to enjoy as a light meal.
An easy make-ahead side dish for potlucks and picnics. It’s one of those recipes everyone seems to come back for at picnics, family reunions, and holiday gatherings.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re using leftover holiday ham, changing up the vegetables, or trying a different cheese, it always turns out delicious. Since it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, it’s the perfect make-ahead recipe for busy days.
If you’re looking for an easy pasta salad that feeds a crowd and disappears quickly, this creamy ham pasta salad is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make in about 30 minutes.
- Perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and family dinners.
- Great way to use leftover ham.
- Easily customized with your favorite vegetables and cheeses.
- Even better after chilling, making it ideal for preparing ahead.
Creamy Ham Pasta Salad Recipe (Easy Potluck Favorite)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipment
Ingredients
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 1 Pound Elbow Macaroni Cooked and Drained
- 16 Ounces Frozen Peas or Mixed Vegetables Thawed
- 1 Small Onion diced
- 2 Stalks Celery diced
- 2 Cups Cheese shredded or diced. Be creative with the type of cheese you add
- 2 Cups Ham Diced. Make sure that it is precooked ham
Dressing
- 2 Cups Mayonnaise
- ¾ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 3/4 Cup Milk
- 2 Teaspoons Lemon Juice
- 1/2 Tsp. Salt
- 1/2 Tsp. Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.1 Pound Elbow Macaroni
- Place the cooled macaroni in a large serving bowl. Add the thawed vegetables, diced onion, celery, cheese, and ham.16 Ounces Frozen Peas, 1 Small Onion, 2 Stalks Celery, 2 Cups Cheese, 2 Cups Ham
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.2 Cups Mayonnaise, ¾ Cup Granulated Sugar, 3/4 Cup Milk, 2 Teaspoons Lemon Juice, 1/2 Tsp. Salt, 1/2 Tsp. Pepper
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently stir until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Add a splash of milk before serving if the dressing thickens after refrigeration.
- This recipe is perfect for using leftover holiday ham.
Nutrition
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta
Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice because it holds the creamy dressing well. Other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or ditalini also work nicely.
Ham
Use fully cooked diced ham. This recipe is perfect for leftover baked ham, smoked ham, or a cooked and cooled ham steak, or luncheon meat.
Cheese
Cheddar is always a favorite, but don’t be afraid to mix things up with:
- Colby Jack
- Monterey Jack
- Swiss
- Pepper Jack
- Sharp Cheddar
Cubed cheese gives the salad nice texture, while shredded cheese blends into the dressing for extra creaminess.
Vegetables
Frozen peas add sweetness and color. You can also substitute thawed mixed vegetables if you prefer.
The diced onion and celery provide just the right amount of crunch.
Creamy Dressing
The homemade dressing combines mayonnaise, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper to create a rich, slightly sweet dressing that coats every bite of pasta.
Tips for the Best Ham Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Let the salad chill for at least 2 hours before serving so the flavors can blend together.
- If the pasta absorbs some of the dressing overnight, stir in a splash of milk before serving to refresh the creamy texture.
- Taste before serving and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Variations
This recipe is easy to customize using what you have on hand.
Try adding:
- Diced red bell pepper
- Chopped broccoli florets
- Shredded carrots
- Sliced black olives
- Sweet pickle relish
- Crumbled bacon
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Green onions
- Fresh dill or parsley
For a tangier dressing, replace part of the milk with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
Make Ahead and Storage
This salad is actually better after it has chilled for several hours. Prepare it the day before
Storage
Store leftover ham pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as the pasta may absorb some of the dressing while it chills. If needed, add a splash of milk and gently mix to restore its creamy consistency.
Because this recipe contains mayonnaise, cheese, and ham, it should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if temperatures are above 90°F).
Freezing is not recommended since the creamy dressing may separate after thawing.
Can I use leftover holiday ham?
Absolutely. Leftover baked or smoked ham works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, the flavors improve after several hours in the refrigerator.
What is the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Pepper Jack are all delicious choices.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Small pasta shapes such as shells, rotini, bow ties, or ditalini all work well.
Why rinse the pasta?
Rinsing cools the pasta quickly and removes excess starch so the noodles stay separate in the salad.
Can I make the dressing less sweet?
Certainly. Reduce the sugar to ¼ to ½ cup if you prefer a less sweet dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy ham pasta salad alongside:
- Grilled burgers
- BBQ chicken
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Brats or hot dogs
- Fried chicken
- Fresh fruit
- Corn on the cob
It’s also hearty enough to enjoy as a simple lunch on its own.
An easy make ahead pasta recipe for cookouts, potlucks, or easy meals. I love to take leftovers to work the next day for lunch.
This is our summer potluck recipe. It’s so easy to swap out ingredients for a different taste too.