Creamy Dill Pasta Salad with Ham & Grapes
Indulge in a delightful blend of flavors with this Creamy Dill Pasta Salad featuring savory ham, sweet green grapes, and rich cheddar cheese. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or picnic outings, this salad is a versatile dish that allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. The creamy dill dressing brings a refreshing touch to each bite, while the crisp texture of the pasta and fresh grapes adds an enjoyable contrast. Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, or even cubed grilled chicken with juicy pineapple tidbits. This recipe is designed to be a base for your creativity, ensuring each time you make it, it can be a unique and satisfying experience. Share this dish with your loved ones and watch it disappear from the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Farfalle Pasta
1 3/4 cups (uncooked)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
Sour Cream
1/2 cup (none)
Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Dijon-style Mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
White Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Dried Dill Weed
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Green Seedless Grapes
2 cups (halved)
Diced Ham
2 cups (none)
Chopped Green Onion
1/2 cup (none)
Diced Cheddar Cheese
1 1/2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, black pepper, dill weed, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved green grapes, diced ham, chopped green onions, and diced cheddar cheese. Gently fold in the dressing until all the ingredients are well-coated.
4
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
5
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Enjoy this refreshing and hearty salad as a side dish or a light meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main components of the Creamy Dill Pasta Salad with Ham & Grapes?
The main components are farfalle pasta, diced ham, halved green seedless grapes, and diced cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy dill-infused dressing.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for farfalle pasta, also known as bow-tie pasta, which helps hold the creamy dressing well.
How should the pasta be cooked for this salad?
The pasta should be cooked in salted boiling water until it reaches an al dente texture, then rinsed under cold water to stop the cooking.
What ingredients are in the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made from mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, Dijon-style mustard, white sugar, black pepper, dried dill weed, and salt.
Is there a specific preparation needed for the grapes?
Yes, the green seedless grapes should be halved before being added to the mixing bowl.
How long does this pasta salad need to refrigerate?
For the best flavor meld, the salad should be refrigerated for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight.
Can I substitute the ham in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the diced ham with cubed grilled chicken if you prefer a different protein.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of diced cheddar cheese for a rich and savory flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! You can customize it by adding cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or red onions.
What kind of onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped green onions.
Is the dill used fresh or dried?
This specific recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried dill weed.
What purpose does the cider vinegar serve in the dressing?
Cider vinegar adds a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream.
Can I add fruit other than grapes?
Yes, the description suggests that juicy pineapple tidbits would make a great addition to the salad.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is designed for family gatherings, potlucks, and picnic outings because it is easy to transport and serves many.
Should the salad be served cold?
Yes, it is best served chilled after it has had time to rest in the refrigerator.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 13 total ingredients used to make this pasta salad and its dressing.
What is the amount of pasta needed?
You will need 1 3/4 cups of uncooked farfalle pasta.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
While Dijon-style mustard is recommended for its specific flavor, you could experiment with other varieties if desired.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of white sugar is added to the dressing to provide a subtle hint of sweetness.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Rinse the pasta under cold water immediately after draining it to stop the internal heat from cooking it further.
Can this salad be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can simply omit the ham and add more vegetables or a plant-based protein substitute.
How should I store the salad before serving?
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid before placing it in the refrigerator.
What is the texture of this salad?
It features a creamy texture from the dressing, a slight crunch from the green onions, and a soft bite from the pasta.
Do I need to toss the salad again before serving?
Yes, give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Can I use light mayonnaise and sour cream?
Yes, you can use lighter versions of mayonnaise and sour cream to reduce the calorie content.
What makes this salad unique compared to traditional pasta salads?
The inclusion of green grapes and ham provides a sweet and savory contrast that is enhanced by the dill dressing.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, because it tastes even better the next day, it is an excellent choice for meal prepping.
What size should the ham and cheese be?
Both the ham and the cheddar cheese should be diced into small, bite-sized cubes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the ingredients can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd at a party.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this is a mild and creamy salad with no spicy ingredients, making it kid-friendly.