Creamy Ham, Peas, and Cheddar Pasta Salad
Indulge in a refreshing and hearty pasta salad that combines tender shell pasta with a medley of savory ham, crisp peas, and rich cheddar cheese. This delightful dish is dressed in a creamy blend of mayonnaise and Miracle Whip, with a hint of fresh dill to elevate its flavors. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying lunch, this recipe is sure to impress with both its taste and texture.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
small shell pasta
1 lb (cooked and cooled)
sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb (shredded)
ham
1 lb (cubed)
frozen tiny peas
1 lb (defrosted)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup
salad dressing
1/2 cup (recommend Miracle Whip)
seasoning salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon
fresh dill
3 tablespoons (chopped or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled shell pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, cubed ham, and defrosted peas. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic salt, and dill until smooth and well combined.
3
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until all ingredients are thoroughly coated and evenly distributed.
4
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
5
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir, and garnish with additional dill if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main pasta used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of small shell pasta, which should be cooked and cooled before mixing.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the Creamy Ham and Peas Pasta Salad?
The recipe specifies 1 lb of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded.
How should the ham be prepared?
You should use 1 lb of ham that has been cubed into bite-sized pieces.
Do the peas need to be cooked?
No, the recipe uses 1 lb of frozen tiny peas that have been defrosted.
What makes the dressing creamy?
The creaminess comes from a blend of 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup salad dressing, specifically Miracle Whip.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried dill as a substitute for 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill.
How long should the pasta salad refrigerate before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What seasonings are used in the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Is this salad suitable for potlucks or picnics?
Yes, it is described as perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying lunch.
What is the first step in assembling the salad?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shell pasta, shredded cheddar, cubed ham, and defrosted peas.
Should I mix the dressing directly into the pasta?
It is recommended to whisk the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl first until smooth before pouring it over the pasta mixture.
What specific salad dressing brand is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using Miracle Whip for the salad dressing component.
What size should the peas be?
The recipe suggests using frozen 'tiny' peas for the best texture.
Do I need to stir the salad again after refrigeration?
Yes, give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
How much pasta is required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of small shell pasta.
What is the flavor profile of this pasta salad?
It is a refreshing and hearty salad with savory ham, rich cheddar, and a hint of fresh dill.
Can I garnish the salad with anything extra?
Yes, you can garnish the salad with additional fresh dill if desired.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender shell pasta and crisp peas in a smooth, creamy dressing.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt for flavor.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended to provide a rich contrast to the other ingredients.
Should the pasta be warm when mixing?
No, the pasta should be cooked and cooled before adding it to the other ingredients.
How much mayonnaise is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
Can I make this for a meal prep lunch?
Yes, this is described as a satisfying lunch option that holds up well.
What is the primary category for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Ham dishes.
How much seasoning salt is added?
One teaspoon of seasoning salt is used in the dressing.
Is the black pepper ground?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Does the recipe use fresh or frozen ham?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of cubed ham, which is typically used fully cooked/fresh.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients in this recipe.
How much fresh dill is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill.