Ham-Pecan-Blue Cheese Pasta Salad
A flavorful pasta salad combining tender bow-tie pasta, savory ham, crunchy pecans, and tangy blue cheese, perfect for gatherings or a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 3 c. uncooked bow-tie pasta ⓘ
- 4 oz. cooked ham, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 c. coarsely chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) pkg. crumbled Blue cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary or 2 tsp. dried rosemary ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. coarsely ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain.
- Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and remaining ingredients except Parmesan cheese, tossing well to mix.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve immediately or chill for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a hint of Dijon mustard to the dressing. For a crunchier texture, swap out some pecans for walnuts or almonds. If you’re looking to make it heartier, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp. Fresh herbs can also be substituted; thyme works well if rosemary is not available.
Serving Suggestions
This Ham-Pecan-Blue Cheese Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks, serving as a side dish alongside grilled meats or hearty American recipes like Cajun Chops. It pairs beautifully with a light green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavors. Consider serving it with Tropical Champagne Punch for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or enjoy cold as a refreshing salad. If the pasta seems dry after chilling, add a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham-Pecan-Blue Cheese Pasta Salad contains roughly 787 calories, with 30g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (144% of the Daily Value), iron (127% of the Daily Value), and potassium (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 511mg per serving (22% 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?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, but add the Parmesan cheese just before serving to keep it fresh and crispy.
What can I substitute for Blue cheese?
If you're not a fan of Blue cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese for a tangy flavor or goat cheese for a creamier texture. Both options will complement the ham and pecans nicely while still offering a unique taste.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
To make this pasta salad vegetarian, simply omit the cooked ham and consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. You can also add chickpeas for protein, creating a satisfying dish without meat.
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).