Easy Ham and Pasta Salad
Creamy ham and pasta salad with peas, celery, and a homemade dressing. A quick and easy side dish perfect for summer picnics or leftover ham.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 631kcal
Ingredients
- 7 ounces elbow pasta
- 10 ounces green peas frozen or fresh
- ¾ cup celery diced
- 1 tablespoon finely minced red onion
- 2 cups cooked ham diced
- 1 ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil. Add elbow pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Blanch the peas: In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add peas and cook for 1 minute. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Prep the mix-ins: Dice the celery, red onion, and ham into small pieces. Set aside in a medium bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to create a smooth mixture.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, green peas, diced celery, onion, and ham. Pour the dressing over the top and give everything a good stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl or transfer salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This ham and pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Pasta options: Elbow pasta works best, but you can also use bow tie pasta, fusilli, or small shells. Any short-shape pasta that holds dressing well will do.
- Make ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.
- Storing leftovers: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Ham tip: Use leftover holiday ham, ham steak, or thick-cut deli slices. Chop into small, bite-size pieces.
- Customize it: Add-ins like diced bell pepper, green onion, sweet relish, or cheddar cheese can be mixed in based on your personal tastes.
- Dressing variation: To lighten the dressing, swap part of the mayo for sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 631kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 26g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 999mg | Potassium: 358mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 537IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg
