Summer Garden Pasta Salad with Ham
This vibrant Summer Garden Pasta Salad with Ham is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of summer. Packed with colorful vegetables and savory chunks of ham, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. The combination of creamy mayonnaise and tangy Dijon mustard creates a delectable dressing that ties all the ingredients together beautifully. Whether enjoyed as a hearty main course or a refreshing side dish at your next picnic or barbecue, this salad offers something for everyone. Its satisfying texture and fresh ingredients make it a family favorite during warm summer days!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
pasta shells
4 cups (uncooked small)
ham
2 cups (cooked and chopped)
cucumbers
2 cups (chopped)
carrot
1 cup (finely chopped)
red bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
green onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 1/2 cups (use according to preference)
milk
1/2 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
1/2 cup (none)
fresh dill
2 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse them under cold water to cool, then set aside to chill completely.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham, cucumbers, carrots, red bell pepper, and green onion. Mix well to distribute the vegetables evenly.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, Dijon mustard, chopped dill, and salt. Adjust the salt to taste, based on your preferences.
4
Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable and ham mixture in the large bowl, and gently fold them together to combine.
5
Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing carefully to ensure every ingredient is well coated.
6
The salad can be served immediately; however, for the best flavor, cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Garden Pasta Salad with Ham?
It is a vibrant and nutritious cold salad featuring pasta shells, colorful vegetables, and savory ham tossed in a creamy Dijon and dill dressing.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of uncooked small pasta shells.
How much ham is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of cooked and chopped ham.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
This salad includes chopped cucumbers, finely chopped carrots, red bell pepper, and green onions.
How do I prepare the pasta?
Cook the shells until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise or salad dressing, milk, Dijon mustard, fresh chopped dill, and salt.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of mayonnaise or your preferred salad dressing.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
While the recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, you can use dried dill as a substitute, though fresh provides the best flavor.
How much Dijon mustard is used?
The dressing requires 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard for a tangy flavor.
Should the salad be served immediately?
It can be served immediately, but for the best flavor, it should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for a barbecue?
Yes, it is an excellent refreshing side dish for barbecues and picnics.
How many cups of cucumber are in the salad?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped cucumbers.
What is the amount of red bell pepper needed?
You need 1/2 cup of chopped red bell pepper.
How much milk is added to the dressing?
The dressing includes 1/2 cup of milk to help achieve a creamy consistency.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be finely chopped, totaling 1 cup.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious dish packed with fresh vegetables.
How much green onion is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped green onions.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt, adjusted to your personal taste.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad offers a satisfying texture with a combination of tender pasta and crunchy fresh vegetables.
How do I ensure the ingredients are well-coated?
Pour the dressing over the combined pasta, ham, and vegetables, then toss carefully to ensure even coating.
What is the main flavor profile?
The salad features a savory and tangy profile thanks to the ham, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill.
Is this served hot or cold?
This is a cold pasta salad and should be served chilled.
How do I cool the pasta quickly?
Rinse the drained pasta shells under cold running water immediately after cooking.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
The recipe specifies Dijon mustard for its specific tang, but you can experiment with others if preferred.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients in this Summer Garden Pasta Salad.
Is this salad a main course?
It can be enjoyed as either a hearty main course or a refreshing side dish.
How much fresh dill is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill.
What is the first step in making this salad?
The first step is cooking the pasta shells al dente and cooling them completely.
Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes, with 11 ingredients and a hearty base of pasta and ham, it is a great choice for gatherings.
What makes this a 'summer' salad?
Its use of fresh, colorful garden vegetables and its refreshing cold serving temperature make it ideal for summer.