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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! 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.

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

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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.

tri-color rotini pasta cooking in a pan.

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.

diced ham and cheddar cheese on a cutting board.

Step 5 – Add mayonnaise, ham, and cheese to the bowl of pasta and mix well.

ham, cheddar, rotini pasta, and mayo mixed in a bowl.

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.

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

Pro Tips

Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

You may also enjoy

Easy Ham and Cheddar Pasta Salad in a bowl.

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!
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

  • Store leftover pasta salad 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 :)