Ham Pasta Salad combines shell pasta, smoked ham, cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, sweet baby peas, and green onions in a slightly sweet creamy mayonnaise dressing. Enjoy this tasty salad as a main or side dish with all your favorite summer grilling and barbecue recipes.
Serve this easy pasta salad with grilled turkey burgers, grilled pork chops, or oven-baked beef brisket. It is also a delicious and refreshing main-course salad for a hot summer evening.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Mayonnaise: We love Duke’s mayo, but you can use your favorite brand.
- Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar, rice wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar.
- Pasta: Any short pasta shape works with this recipe, including shells, penne, elbow macaroni, farfalle, fusilli, and cellentani.
- Ham: Use smoked ham. I like to use a small Frick ham steak.
- Cheese: Use any sharp, mild, smoked, or white cheddar. For a change of flavor, try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
- Baby peas: Use thawed frozen baby peas for the best texture.
How To Make Ham Pasta Salad
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Whisk the mayo, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the pasta al dente and drain well.
- Combine the drained pasta, ham, cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, baby peas, and green onions.
- Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat. Sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Preparation Tips
- Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Pasta that is not cooked al dente soaks up dressing, and you want the dressing to stay rich and creamy.
- You can mix the dressing up to 48 hours in advance.
- Use a spider strainer to drain the pasta, then transfer it to a well-seasoned baking sheet. See the picture above. This keeps the pasta from sticking to itself in a colander.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
Ham Pasta Salad
Ham Pasta Salad combines shell pasta, smoked ham, cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, sweet baby peas, and green onions in a slightly sweet creamy mayonnaise dressing.
Print
Pin
Rate
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 546kcal
Ingredients
Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Ham Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 2 cups diced ham, cut into small cubes
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ¾ cup baby peas
- ¼ cup cup thinly sliced green onions
- ½ tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Whisk the mayo, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Using a spider strainer, move the cooked pasta to a baking sheet or drain it in a colander.
- Combine the drained pasta, ham, cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, baby peas, and green onions in a large serving bowl.
- Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat. Sprinkle with fresh thyme.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 546kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 861mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1043IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 1mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @smalltownwomanfoodnut or tag #smalltownwomanfoodnut!
Barbie R
This was so yummy. I had not had pasta salad for so darn long. I think I am going to make it again this weekend for a bday party. Yeah!
Beth Pierce
So happy that you liked it, Barbie!
Lisa
Gosh this salad was so good, Beth! I loved that it was a complete dish on its own, no need to add anything else. It’s perfect for summer meals.
Beth Pierce
So happy that you liked it, Lisa!
Ebony
I made this for my family and they absolutely loved it! So easy to make and perfect for spring. Cant wait to make again!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Ebony! I am so glad that you liked the pasta salad!
Alejandra
This salad is so delicious, but the dressing? Wow!! Such a perfect combo. I enjoyed it yesterday for lunch and I’ll make it again soon. Really good!
Beth Pierce
So happy that you liked it, Alejandra!
Catalina
Tried it today and it turned out great. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep!
Tammy
This is a fabulous spring/summer salad! It came out so delicious and everyone loved it. Will definitely be making again!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Tammy!
Amy
This was such a hit at the BBQ! The ham and veggies kept it fresh, and that creamy dressing tied everything together perfectly. Super easy to prep ahead of time, too.
Beth Pierce
So happy that you liked it, Amy!
Ben
This is a great recipe. I love the pop of flavor the ham gives it.
Terri
Amazing pasta salad. It had so much flavor and color.
Terri
I love this! I make ham year-round so this is the perfect recipe to use those leftovers. I actually did that with this recipe last night!