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4 Ingredient Pasta Salad

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

4 Ingredient Pasta Salad in a bowl.
4-Ingredient Pasta Salad

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

Easy Ham and Cheddar Pasta Salad in a bowl.
Easy Ham and Cheddar Pasta Salad

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4 Ingredient Pasta Salad in a bowl.

4 Ingredient Macaroni Salad Recipe

This 4 Ingredient Macaroni Salad with Mayo mixes pasta, ham, and cheddar cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes.
4.53 from 21 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course On the side
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 575 kcal

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.
Storage Instructions
  • Store leftover 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad with mayonnaise in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 575kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 17gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 20gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 790mgPotassium: 175mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 311IUCalcium: 212mgIron: 1mg
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Hi, and welcome. I’m Zona, and I love creating recipes for easy dinners or desserts.

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4.53 from 21 votes (21 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating




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 :)