This 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad combines macaroni with ham and cheddar cheese. It is super easy to make and is perfect for any occasion. From picnics to summer potlucks, this simple blend of cold pasta salad will be a sure crowd-pleaser! Ready in just 15 minutes!
Why I love this recipe
This is a classic macaroni salad using just a few simple ingredients that makes a perfect side dish, especially on a hot summer day.
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Ingredients
(amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post)
uncooked pasta
ham
cheddar cheese
mayonnaise
Optional – salt and black pepper to taste
Good Substitutes and Additions
Use any shaped pasta you prefer, short pasta works best.
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.
Equipment used for this recipe
How to make Ham and Cheddar Pasta Salad
Step 1 – In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package directions.
Step 2 – Using a colander, drain the pasta.
Step 3 – Place the macaroni noodles in a large bowl.
Step 4 – Dice the ham and cheddar into bite-sized cubes.
Step 5 – Add mayonnaise, ham, and cheese to the bowl of pasta and mix well.
Step 6 – If desired, season with salt and pepper.
Step 7 – Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Step 8 – Mix well before serving.
Pro Tips
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
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4 Ingredient Pasta Salad
This 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad combines macaroni with ham and cheddar cheese. It is super easy to make and is perfect for any occasion. From picnics to summer potlucks, this simple blend of cold pasta salad will be a sure crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of uncooked pasta
- 8 ounces ham
- 8 ounce block of cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups real 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
- Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 541Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 29gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 798mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 17g
Nutrition information is a guideline only, is calculated automatically by third party software, and absolute accuracy is not guaranteed.
Hi and welcome. I’m Zona and I love creating recipes for easy dinners or desserts. Here you will find quick recipes, recipes that take minimal effort, or recipes that have few ingredients. Eat, drink, and enjoy!
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 :)