Creamy Ham and Cheddar Pasta Salad
This deliciously creamy Ham and Cheddar Pasta Salad is a perfect solution for hot summer days or busy weeknights. Made with tender elbow macaroni, savory ham, and sharp cheddar cheese, this salad is packed with flavor and texture. The crunchy celery and tangy dill pickles add a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich dressing, made with a smooth blend of mayonnaise and Miracle Whip. Perfect as a main dish or a side, it's great for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply to keep in your fridge for easy meals throughout the week. Your family will love how satisfying and delightful this pasta salad is!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boiled or baked ham
1/2 lb (thick sliced, diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (diced)
Elbow macaroni
2 cups (cooked al dente)
Celery
1 cup (chopped)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Dill pickle
1/2 cup (chopped)
Mayonnaise
1/4 cup
Miracle Whip
1/4 cup
Prepared mustard
2 teaspoons
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, making sure to cook until al dente. Drain and let cool.
2
While the pasta is cooling, dice the boiled or baked ham into 1/2-inch cubes.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced ham, cubed cheddar cheese, chopped celery, diced onion, and chopped dill pickles.
4
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, prepared mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
5
Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir gently until everything is well coated and combined.
6
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least a few hours, or overnight for maximum flavor development.
7
Serve chilled and enjoy as a main dish or side salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ham and Cheddar Pasta Salad?
This is a chilled salad made with tender elbow macaroni, savory ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing of mayonnaise and Miracle Whip.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include boiled or baked ham, cheddar cheese, elbow macaroni, celery, onion, dill pickles, mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, and prepared mustard.
How should I cook the macaroni?
The elbow macaroni should be boiled according to the package instructions until it is al dente, then drained and allowed to cool.
How do I prepare the ham for the salad?
The ham should be thick-sliced and diced into 1/2-inch cubes before being added to the mixture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar cheese is recommended for its sharp flavor, you can substitute it with other semi-hard cheeses like Colby or Monterey Jack.
What provides the crunch in this pasta salad?
Chopped celery and diced dill pickles provide a refreshing and tangy crunch that contrasts with the creamy dressing.
How is the dressing made?
The dressing is a blend of mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, prepared mustard, salt, and pepper mixed until smooth.
Can I use only mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?
Yes, you can use all mayonnaise, but the Miracle Whip adds a specific tangy sweetness that characterizes this recipe.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
It should be refrigerated for at least a few hours, though overnight is best for maximum flavor development.
Is this a main dish or a side salad?
This versatile dish can be served as a satisfying main course or as a side salad for potlucks and family gatherings.
Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
Yes, this is an excellent meal-prep dish because the flavors continue to meld and improve while sitting in the fridge.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
A small chopped onion is used; you can use white, yellow, or even red onion depending on your preference for sharpness.
Can I substitute the dill pickles?
If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can substitute dill pickles with sweet pickles or pickle relish.
Is it necessary to cool the pasta before mixing?
Yes, cooling the pasta prevents the cheese from melting and ensures the dressing remains creamy rather than oily.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the seasonings.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Certainly! Peas, bell peppers, or shredded carrots would be great additions to increase the vegetable content.
Is this recipe suitable for hot summer days?
Yes, its chilled nature makes it a perfect refreshing meal for hot weather.
What type of mustard should I use?
The recipe calls for prepared mustard, which is typically standard yellow mustard.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
How long will this salad stay fresh in the fridge?
When stored properly, this pasta salad will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and the vegetables will lose their crunch upon thawing.
How do I ensure the salad is well-coated?
Stir the dressing into the macaroni mixture gently until everything is evenly distributed and coated.
Can I use leftover holiday ham?
Yes, this is a perfect way to use up leftover baked or boiled ham from holiday meals.
Is the salt and pepper amount specific?
No, salt and pepper should be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
Why is al dente pasta important?
Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it holds its shape and texture after being mixed with the dressing and sitting in the fridge.
What size should the cheddar cheese be?
The cheddar cheese should be diced into small cubes, similar in size to the ham.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the familiar flavors of ham, cheese, and pasta make it a favorite for children.
Can I add spices to the dressing?
Yes, feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika if you want extra depth of flavor.
Should I serve this salad at room temperature?
No, it is best served chilled directly from the refrigerator.
What makes this dressing smooth?
Mixing the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl before adding them to the pasta ensures a smooth and consistent texture.