Delicious and Refreshing Ham Pasta Salad Recipe

4 stars
3.76 (17)
Delicious and Refreshing Ham Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on January 26, 2024

This delicious and refreshing ham pasta salad is the perfect dish for any occasion. It is made with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and savory ham, all tossed together in a flavorful dressing. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 30 minutes, it is an ideal meal for busy weeknights or a delightful addition to picnics and potlucks. Give this easy and flavorful recipe a try and impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering ham pasta salad.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bowtie)
  • 8 ounces diced ham
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, black olives, red onion, and fresh parsley.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Interesting Facts

  • The word 'salad' comes from the Latin word 'sal', which means salt. Historically, salads were seasoned with salt before being consumed.
  • Pasta salads are believed to have originated in medieval Italy and were often served as a part of banquets.
  • Pasta salads are versatile and can be customized with different ingredients like vegetables, cheeses, meats, and dressings.