Macaroni Salad with Ham
Creamy, colorful, and bursting with satisfying textures, this Macaroni Salad with Ham is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for picnics, barbecues, or easy weeknight dinners. Tender elbow macaroni is tossed in a luscious, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and a touch of white vinegar, perfectly complementing the salty bite of diced ham. Vibrant veggies like celery, red bell pepper, and green onions add a fresh crunch, while chunks of sharp cheddar cheese bring rich, savory depth to every bite. This chilled pasta salad only takes 25 minutes to prepare and tastes even better after a brief rest in the fridge, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Sprinkle with a dash of paprika before serving for a pop of color, and pair with your favorite main dishes for a satisfying meal.
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Ingredients
- 300 grams elbow macaroni
- 200 grams cooked ham, diced
- 150 grams mayonnaise
- 50 grams sour cream
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- 100 grams sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, yellow mustard, and white vinegar to create a creamy dressing. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 3
Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing and mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 4
Gently fold in the diced ham, celery, red bell pepper, green onions, and cubed cheddar cheese until well combined.
Step 5
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
Step 6
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7
Before serving, sprinkle with paprika for a pop of color if desired.
Step 8
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 1053.7 grams (1053.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3114 |
| Total Fat 167.70g | 215% |
| Saturated Fat 42.10g | 211% |
| Cholesterol 389mg | 130% |
| Sodium 4840mg | 210% |
| Total Carbohydrate 281.90g | 103% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.60g | 59% |
| Total Sugars 24.70g | |
| Protein 114.60g | 229% |
| Vitamin D 21IU | 107% |
| Calcium 871mg | 67% |
| Iron 14mg | 77% |
| Potassium 1183mg | 25% |
Source of Calories