Creamy Ham Pasta Salad Recipe (Easy Potluck Favorite)

5 from 1 vote

Creamy Ham Pasta Salad Recipe (Easy Potluck Favorite)

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.

Prep Time20

Cook Time10

cooling time2

Total Time2 30

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: budget friendly recipe, easy recipe, potluck recipe, side dish recipe, summer recipe

Servings: Servings

Calories: 502kcal

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Equipment

Mixing Bowls

Serving Bowl

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.

Yield: This recipe makes about 16 side dish servings, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, family reunions, and holiday gatherings. If serving as a main dish, plan on about 8 to 10 servings.

Texture Tip: For the best texture, use diced cheese instead of shredded. Cheese cubes hold their shape and add a delicious bite to every forkful, while shredded cheese tends to blend into the dressing and become less noticeable. Both are delicious, so use whichever you prefer!

Chill Time

While you can serve this creamy ham pasta salad right after mixing, it tastes even better after it has had time to chill. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This gives the dressing time to soak into the pasta and allows all the flavors to blend together. If you're planning ahead, making it the night before is even better.

Nutrition