Creamy Ham Pasta Salad
Creamy Ham Pasta Salad
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying pasta salad recipe? Look no further! This creamy ham pasta salad is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. With its combination of tender pasta, savory ham, and creamy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, planning a picnic, or simply want a comforting meal, this pasta salad is a versatile and flavorful choice. The creamy dressing coats each pasta shell, while the ham adds a salty and savory element. It’s a match made in heaven!
Not only is this pasta salad delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. You can whip it up in no time, and with a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal that everyone will love. So, let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this mouthwatering creamy ham pasta salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why this creamy ham pasta salad is a must-try recipe. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious and filling dish on your table.
Secondly, this pasta salad is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled meats, or you can enjoy it as a main course. It’s a great option for potlucks, picnics, and BBQs, as it can be made ahead of time and served chilled.
Additionally, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy dressing adds a rich and velvety element to the dish, while the ham provides a salty and savory kick. The pasta shells add a satisfying bite, making it a well-rounded and comforting meal.
Ingredients
To make this creamy ham pasta salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta shells
- 1 cup of diced ham
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of diced red onion
- 1/4 cup of diced celery
- 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
Optional: You can also add additional vegetables such as diced cucumber or cherry tomatoes for added freshness and crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the creamy ham pasta salad:
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta shells to the bowl with the dressing. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add the diced ham, red onion, celery, red bell pepper, and parsley to the bowl. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once chilled, give the pasta salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the creamy ham pasta salad chilled and enjoy!
Pro tip: To add more depth of flavor, you can cook the pasta in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. This will infuse the pasta with a delicious savory taste.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your creamy ham pasta salad turns out perfectly:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- For a tangier dressing, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking. You can add diced pickles, grated carrots, or even sweet corn.
- To make it more visually appealing, reserve some diced ham and parsley to sprinkle on top as a garnish.
Variations and Substitutions
This creamy ham pasta salad can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
- Replace the ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
- Swap the pasta shells for any other pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, fusilli, or penne.
- Experiment with different dressings like ranch, Italian, or honey mustard for flavor variations.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy ham pasta salad can be enjoyed on its own as a main course or served as a side dish alongside your favorite grilled meats or seafood. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Pair it with grilled chicken breasts and fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Serve it alongside grilled burgers or hot dogs at your next BBQ.
- Pack it in individual containers for a delightful picnic or lunchbox option.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
A: Absolutely! This pasta salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes, you can substitute the ham with cooked bacon, smoked turkey, or even salami. Just choose a meat that complements the flavors of the dressing.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Of course! While pasta shells are traditional for this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just keep in mind that different shapes may hold the dressing differently.
Final Thoughts
This creamy ham pasta salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With its creamy dressing, savory ham, and tender pasta, it’s a recipe that will please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want a delicious meal, this pasta salad is a fantastic option.
So, give this recipe a try and let your taste buds celebrate! Once you experience the creamy and flavorful bites of this pasta salad, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
Creamy Ham Pasta Salad
A delicious and satisfying pasta salad with tender pasta, savory ham, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a comforting meal, this versatile dish is easy to make and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta shells
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
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Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
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Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
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Add ham, red onion, celery, red bell pepper, and parsley to the bowl. Gently stir to combine.
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Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Toss the salad again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve chilled and enjoy!