Cold Ham - Pasta Salad
A creamy, flavorful pasta salad featuring ham, cheese, and fresh vegetables, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings, served chilled for a refreshing taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine Miracle Whip salad dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk; mix well.
- Add all remaining ingredients, except lettuce.
- Mix lightly until combined.
- Chill the salad for several hours or overnight.
- Serve on a lettuce-covered platter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting the Miracle Whip with your favorite mayonnaise or a yogurt-based dressing. If you're looking to reduce calories, use low-fat cheese or omit the cheese entirely. To add more crunch, diced celery or shredded carrots can be included. This dish is perfect for a Christmas Brunch or any gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful pasta salad on a bed of crisp lettuce for an attractive presentation. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or a light soup, making it an excellent side for summer gatherings or picnics. You can also add crackers or breadsticks for a more complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This pasta salad is best served cold, so there's no need to reheat. If it thickens in the fridge, simply stir in a little milk before serving to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Ham - Pasta Salad contains roughly 621 calories, with 16g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1259mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta salad benefits from chilling, as the flavors meld together beautifully. Prepare it a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh the ingredients.
What types of ham work best in this recipe?
Cubed cooked ham is ideal for this salad. You can use leftover ham from a previous meal, such as Margaret's Ham, or purchase pre-cooked ham from the deli. Honey-baked ham adds a nice sweetness, while smoked ham provides a deeper flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the pasta salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables. Options like diced cucumbers, peas, or shredded carrots can add freshness and texture. Just be sure to keep the overall proportions similar to maintain balance in flavors.
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).