Rich Pasta Salad
A creamy, flavorful pasta salad featuring tender macaroni, fresh vegetables, ham, cheese, and a tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in boiling, salted water according to package directions.
- Drain; rinse and drain again. Cool.
- Place lettuce in bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Top with cooked macaroni.
- Sprinkle sliced eggs with salt and layer atop macaroni.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped green onion, prepared mustard, and hot pepper sauce.
- Mix well and pour over the salad ingredients.
- Sprinkle with shredded Swiss cheese, ham strips, thawed peas, and snipped parsley.
- Toss gently to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or olives for a crunch. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. Using leftover West Virginia Ham can also elevate the dish. Make sure to cool the macaroni thoroughly to prevent wilting the lettuce when layered.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is perfect for picnics or barbecues and pairs well with grilled meats or a light soup. Consider serving it alongside Aunt Mary'S Potatoes for a hearty meal. A glass of chilled white wine can also complement the flavors beautifully, making it a delightful addition to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad before serving, consider adding a little more mayonnaise or sour cream. If the pasta seems dry, a splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil can help revive the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich Pasta Salad contains roughly 681 calories, with 20g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 601mg per serving (26% 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, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. However, it's best to add the lettuce and peas just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture. If storing overnight, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
What can I substitute for ham in this recipe?
If you're looking for alternatives to ham, diced cooked chicken or turkey would work well. For a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or tofu seasoned with soy sauce. These alternatives will provide protein while keeping the dish satisfying.
How can I make this pasta salad spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of hot pepper sauce used in the dressing. You could also toss in some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Experiment with flavors until you reach your desired level of spice.
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).