Wish-Bone Salad
A creamy pasta salad with Italian dressing, fresh vegetables, ham or shrimp, and cheddar cheese, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the large shell macaroni in a large pan until it turns white.
- Drain the macaroni and run it under cold water to cool.
- Pour Wish-Bone Italian salad dressing over the macaroni and stir well.
- Transfer the macaroni to a large bowl; cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
- Next day, toss the macaroni with sour cream, red onion, cucumber slices, grated carrot, ham or shrimp, and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Serve the salad cold.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Wish-Bone Salad, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill. If you want to make it lighter, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. For a vegetarian option, replace the ham or shrimp with chopped bell peppers or chickpeas. This salad can also be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld wonderfully overnight.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Wish-Bone Salad as a refreshing side dish at picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or steak, making it a great addition to a summer meal. For a hearty lunch, enjoy it with crusty bread or alongside a light soup. Consider complementing it with dishes like Stan'S Hamburger Noodle Bake for a satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the macaroni may absorb some dressing, so add a splash of Wish-Bone Italian salad dressing before serving to refresh it. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wish-Bone Salad contains roughly 408 calories, with 18g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (138% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 689mg per serving (30% 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, this salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just prepare it according to the instructions and let it chill overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious when served the next day.
What can I substitute for the ham or shrimp?
You can easily substitute the ham or shrimp with cooked chickpeas, diced bell peppers, or even crumbled feta cheese for a vegetarian option. These alternatives will add a different texture and flavor, making the salad just as enjoyable.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, simply replace the large shell macaroni with gluten-free pasta options available in stores. Be sure to check the label on the Wish-Bone Italian salad dressing to ensure it is gluten-free as well, which it typically is.
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).