This 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad with Mayo combines macaroni with ham and cheddar cheese. It is super easy to make and perfect for any occasion. From picnics to summer potlucks, this simple blend of creamy pasta salad will be a sure crowd-pleaser! Ready in just 15 minutes!
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
This classic macaroni salad recipe uses a few simple ingredients. It is a great side dish for fried chicken or any main dish, especially on hot summer days.
Expert Tips
Use any shaped pasta you prefer; short pasta works best, like elbow macaroni.
Try using fresh mozzarella pearls, feta cheese, or other cheeses.
Use Miracle Whip or Italian dressing instead of mayonnaise.
You can easily add any of the following ingredients for extra flavor: diced green onions, chopped cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, chopped black olives, diced red bell pepper, diced green pepper, diced red onion, mini pepperonis, or crispy bacon.
Store leftover 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad with mayonnaise in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Cheddar Ham Pasta Salad Process Shots
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- 5 Ingredient White Queso Dip
- Easy Baked Brie with Jam
- Glazed Rainbow Carrots
- Easy Cherry Tomato Salsa
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4 Ingredient Macaroni Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (uncooked )
- 8 ounces ham
- 8 ounce cheddar cheese (block)
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- Optional – salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- Using a colander, drain the pasta.
- Place the macaroni noodles in a large bowl.
- Dice the ham and cheddar into bite-sized cubes.
- Add mayonnaise, ham, and cheese to the bowl of pasta and mix well.
- If desired, season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- Mix well before serving.
Notes
- Use any shaped pasta you prefer; short pasta works best, like elbow macaroni.
- Try using fresh mozzarella pearls, feta cheese, or other cheeses.
- Use Miracle Whip or Italian dressing instead of mayonnaise.
- Easily add any of the following ingredients for extra flavor: diced green onions, chopped cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, chopped black olives, diced red bell pepper, diced green pepper, diced red onion, mini pepperonis, or crispy bacon.
- Store leftover 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad with mayonnaise in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Hi, and welcome. I’m Zona, and I love creating recipes for easy dinners or desserts.
Bobby umphres
Thursday 20th of April 2023
I have two kids 11 and 3 I'm 62 my wife 50 as you probably no the kids eat different than us well I do a lot of cooking for the two of us I'm looking for new idea's for us. What would you recommend? Thank you Bobby umphres [email protected]
Zona
Thursday 20th of April 2023
Hi Bobby, if you are interested in recipes for two you can check out my other recipe site Zona Cooks. You can copy and paste this into your web browser zonacooks.com
Janice Collings
Monday 17th of April 2023
Need to rinse pasta after cooking, should mention that.
Zona
Monday 17th of April 2023
Hi Janice, I don't rinse the pasta, just drain it while I do the next steps. But you can rinse it if you prefer that. Thanks :)