Broccoli, Ham Pasta Salad
A vibrant, protein-packed pasta salad featuring fresh broccoli, ham, and tomatoes, tossed in a tangy lemon-basil dressing—perfect for picnics, lunch, or light dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup uncooked pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets ⓘ
- 12 oz. ham cubes (2 cups) ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes until tender, then cool.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, ham cubes, chopped tomato, chopped celery, chopped parsley, and chopped onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, basil, onion salt, oregano, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate to chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing. You can substitute cooked chicken or turkey for the ham, making it a versatile dish suitable for various protein preferences. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can enhance the flavor profile, while using whole grain pasta can add more fiber to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli, Ham Pasta Salad is perfect for potlucks or picnics. Serve it alongside grilled meats or sandwiches for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Hill Country Salad for a refreshing contrast. For added crunch, consider topping it with toasted nuts or seeds just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find the pasta salad has absorbed the dressing after a day, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice when serving to refresh the flavors. This dish is best enjoyed cold, so you can serve it straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli, Ham Pasta Salad contains roughly 422 calories, with 11g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (185% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (140% of the Daily Value), and calcium (108% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 39g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
Yes, this pasta salad can be prepared in advance. It's actually best if allowed to chill for a few hours to let the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a stir before serving.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to customize your pasta salad by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots. You can also toss in some peas or corn for a pop of color and sweetness. Just make sure to adjust the dressing to balance the flavors.
Is there a gluten-free option for this pasta salad?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or legumes as a substitute for regular pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).