Cheddar-Pasta Toss
A colorful and flavorful pasta salad featuring cheddar, ham, peas, and crunchy vegetables, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners with a creamy tang.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked tri-colored rotini ⓘ
- 1/2 package (10 oz.) frozen English peas ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked ham, julienne strips ⓘ
- 8 oz. Cheddar cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 3 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon dried whole oregano ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar sliced pimiento, drained
- Lettuce leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rotini according to package directions; drain.
- Rinse with cold water; drain again.
- Cook peas according to package directions; drain well.
- Combine cooked pasta, peas, and the next five ingredients in a large bowl.
- Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or a dollop of sour cream. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ham can be used instead of cooking it yourself. You can also substitute rotini with any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli. For a vegetarian option, replace ham with sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheddar-Pasta Toss chilled or at room temperature on a bed of lettuce leaves for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with Ham Ring With Cherry Sauce for a delightful spread. Consider adding a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cheddar-Pasta Toss can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to the pasta before microwaving to prevent it from drying out. Stir well to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheddar-Pasta Toss contains roughly 227 calories, with 10g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (90% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and calcium (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 21g 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 dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cheddar-Pasta Toss can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and let the flavors meld overnight. Before serving, give it a good stir, and add a bit more mayonnaise or olive oil if needed for moisture.
What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for mayonnaise. It will add creaminess and a bit of tang. You could also use a vinaigrette for a lighter dressing, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Cheddar-Pasta Toss is great for meal prep! Portion it into individual servings for easy lunches throughout the week. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the freshness and texture of the ingredients.
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).