Supper On The Porch Salad
A fresh, hearty salad combining macaroni, ham, cheese, and crunchy vegetables, dressed in a tangy dressing—perfect for casual summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, diced ham, cheese cubes, chopped celery, chopped peppers, chopped onion, pimiento, pickle relish, salad dressing, mustard, and salt.
- Mix all ingredients together well.
- Serve the salad over a lettuce leaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try using a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in the salad dressing. You can substitute the diced ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor. Adding a splash of vinegar can enhance the tanginess of the salad. If you're short on time, pre-cooked macaroni can speed up the process.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for summer gatherings and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. Consider serving it alongside dishes like Georgia's Baked Beans for a complete meal. For an extra crunch, serve it with a side of tortilla chips or crackers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad, you may need to add a bit more dressing as it can dry out. Avoid freezing as the texture of the ingredients may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Supper On The Porch Salad contains roughly 380 calories, with 11g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1307mg per serving (57% 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?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until serving. The flavors will meld together nicely, but you might want to add a little extra dressing just before serving to maintain its creaminess.
What can I use instead of macaroni?
You can substitute macaroni with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked to al dente for the best texture in the salad.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! You can omit the ham and replace it with diced tofu or chickpeas for protein. Adding extra vegetables like diced cucumbers or carrots can enhance the texture and flavor while keeping it hearty.
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).