Ham Pasta Salad

This Ham Pasta Salad recipe is bursting with savory flavors and vibrant colors. This dish is the perfect blend of hearty ingredients like tender pasta, savory ham, creamy cheese, and crisp vegetables that all comes together with a creamy zesty dressing. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic in the park, or simply craving a satisfying meal, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Versatility: Ham pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course, side dish, or potluck contribution.
• Texture: The combination of tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and juicy ham creates a delightful contrast in textures, adding interest and depth to each bite.
• Easy to Make: This dish requires minimal cooking, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and develop over time. It's perfect for meal prep or for serving at gatherings where advance preparation is necessary.
• Customizable: The salad can be customized to suit your taste and preferences. You can adjust the ingredients, such as adding different vegetables, cheeses, or dressings, to create a unique flavor combination.
• Crowd-Pleasing: With its appealing combination of flavors and textures, this is a crowd-pleaser that's sure to be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. It's a great option for family meals, picnics, and BBQs.

What Type of Pasta to Use

The best pasta for pasta salad is usually short and can hold its shape and texture when mixed with other ingredients. I like to use elbows because this dish reminds me of my Classic Southern Macaroni Salad. Here are some other options:

• Rotini: This is what I use. It's spiral-shaped and great for holding onto mayo and dressings.
• Penne: Tube-shaped
• Farfalle: Bow-tie shaped
• Orzo: Rice-shaped pasta
• Fusilli: Corkscrew shaped (Trader Joe's has a great one!)

When cooking pasta for pasta salad, it's important to follow the instructions on the package for how to cook it al dente. This will ensure the pasta doesn't become mushy when it's mixed with other ingredients.

What Type of Ham to Use

• Cooked Ham: Cooked ham, which is readily available at grocery stores, is a convenient option. It's typically sold sliced or in chunks and is fully cooked, making it easy to incorporate into the salad.
• Ham Steak: Ham steak is a thick slice of ham cut from the center of the ham. It's a meatier option compared to sliced ham and adds a substantial texture to the salad.
• Deli Ham: Deli ham, such as honey ham or smoked ham, sliced thin from the deli counter, is another option for ham pasta salad. It's flavorful and easy to dice or chop into bite-sized pieces.
• Leftover Ham: Leftover ham from a holiday meal or dinner can be repurposed, especially if you've made my Slow Cooker Crockpot Glazed Ham, Air Fryer Ham, Baked Ham with Pineapple, or Traeger Smoked Ham recipes. Simply chop or dice the leftover ham and use it in the salad.
• Ham Hock: For a more traditional Southern-style ham pasta salad, you can use ham hock, which is the lower portion of the pig's hind leg. It's typically smoked and adds a rich, smoky flavor to the salad.

How to Make Ham Pasta Salad

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Cook the pasta in accordance with the instructions on the package.
2. Rinse the pasta in cold water and dry completely.
3. Add the pasta to your serving bowl along with mayo, sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt), ham, cheese, vegetables, and spices. Stir to combine.
4. Chill the salad.

Vegetables and Additional Substitution Ideas

• Cucumbers
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Olives
• Artichokes
• Feta or Gorgonzola Cheese
• Chopped Cauliflower
• Chopped Dill Pickles
• Sweet Pickle Relish
• Jalapenos
• Red Peppers
• Green Peppers
• Creole Seasoning
• Cajun Seasoning
• Homemade BBQ Seasoning

How to Substitute Mayo

The easiest way to substitute mayo is to swap plain Greek yogurt or sour cream because it's a 1:1 switch. Here are some options.

• Greek Yogurt: It has a similar creamy texture and adds a tangy flavor. You can use plain Greek yogurt as a 1:1 replacement for mayo.
• Sour Cream: It adds a rich and tangy flavor. Substitute it in equal proportions to mayo.
• Avocado: Mashed avocado can provide a creamy texture and a unique flavor. Use ripe avocado and adjust the quantity to your liking.
• Olive Oil: For a lighter option, you can use extra virgin olive oil. It won't give the same creaminess, but it adds a delicious flavor. Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for acidity.
• Pesto Sauce: If you're looking to add flavor and a different twist, consider using pesto sauce. It's made with ingredients like basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil.
• Hummus: Hummus can be a surprising and flavorful substitute. Choose a plain or garlic-flavored hummus to add creaminess and a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
• Yogurt-based Dressing: There are many pre-made yogurt-based dressings available in stores that can be used as a mayo substitute. Look for options with flavors that complement your pasta salad.

How Long Can The Salad Sit Out

It can sit out 1-2 hours. It takes about 2 hours for bacteria to start to grow to dangerous levels. In warm temperatures, that time shrinks. You can read the Food Safety Guidance from the FDA here. If you're serving pasta salad at an event or picnic, consider keeping it chilled in an insulated cooler with ice packs to maintain a safe temperature.

Can You Make it Ahead/How Long it Will Last in the Fridge

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad can last for about 3-4 days. However, the quality will likely start to decline after the first day as the pasta and vegetables may become softer.

If you know you want to make it ahead or eat leftovers, consider keeping the mayo/dressing separate until you're ready to serve. Toss the salad with the mayo/dressing just before eating to maintain the best texture.

How to Keep it Creamy

If preparing the salad in advance, add the ingredients for the dressing just before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much moisture and becoming dry. This will help maintain the creamy consistency of the salad.

If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a little more mayo and/or sour cream (plain Greek yogurt) and gently toss to coat. Avoid adding too much dressing at once to prevent the salad from becoming overly wet.

Can You Freeze It?

You can freeze it, but I wouldn’t recommend it. In general, mayo, yogurt, and sour cream do not freeze well and usually develops ice crystals.

More Salad Recipes

Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Crab
Salmon Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese