Overnight Potato Salad
A creamy, flavorful overnight potato salad with ham, peas, cheese, and fresh vegetables, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners that enjoy a cool, savory treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup tiny shell macaroni ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- 1 can fully cooked ham, cut into julienne strips ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- snipped parsley
- dash bottled hot pepper sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions.
- Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again to cool.
- Place shredded lettuce in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Top with cooked macaroni.
- Stand egg slices on edge, if desired.
- Layer ham strips, thawed peas, and shredded Swiss cheese in order over the macaroni.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped green onions, and hot pepper sauce.
- Spread the dressing mixture over the top of the salad, sealing to the edge of the dish.
- Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle the top with paprika and snipped parsley.
- Toss the salad gently before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more mayonnaise or sour cream to the dressing. You can substitute the Swiss cheese with cheddar or any cheese of your choice. If you prefer a lighter salad, reduce the amount of macaroni or replace it with cauliflower florets. Fresh herbs like dill can be a great addition for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Overnight Potato Salad is perfect for potlucks or barbecues, pairing beautifully with dishes like Our Best Southern Fried Chicken. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a filling side for sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider adding a green salad or some fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad becomes too dry, you can add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream before serving. It's best served cold, so no need to reheat; just give it a gentle toss before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Potato Salad contains roughly 558 calories, with 33g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (210% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (193% of the Daily Value), and potassium (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 535mg per serving (23% 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 salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is designed to be made ahead of time, ideally 24 hours in advance. The flavors develop as it sits in the refrigerator, making it taste even better. Just be sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you're looking for a substitute for ham, consider using cooked chicken or turkey for a lighter option. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by replacing the mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. Use chickpeas or tofu for protein instead of ham, and consider using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
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).