Skip to main content

Pasta Salad

Hearty pasta, fresh veggies, salty ham, and creamy cheese come together for a great summer side dish.
Macaroni noodles with ham, vegetables and dressing.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

3 cups cooked pasta
2 Tablespoons chopped sweet onion
¼ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped carrot
¼ cup peas (cooked from fresh or frozen, or canned, drained and rinsed) (see Notes)
2 Tablespoons chopped red or green bell pepper
1 ½ cups chopped ham
½ cup cubed cheddar cheese (optional)
¼ cup low-fat Italian dressing (try Food Hero Red Wine Vinaigrette)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Cook frozen peas according to package directions or to 165 degrees F.
  • Try substituting different vegetables. Always cook frozen vegetables according to package directions."
  • Ham can be substituted with any meat of choice. 
  • Try whole-grain pasta for more whole grains.

Comments

Kids love the color and the added protein of this salad.  Great well rounded snack or meal!

Such an easy and yummy dish!!

Such and easy but tasty recipe!

Very simple and colorful dish! Makes a quick healthy meal for young children.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Fruity French Toast Casserole
Baking dish with a layer of bread cubes, peaches and a crumbly topping.

Fruity French Toast Casserole

A baked version of French toast with your favorite fruit. Ready in about an hour!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Creamy Fruit Salad
Photo of Creamy Fruit Salad

Creamy Fruit Salad

Quick and easy snack or side dish with apples, bananas and pineapple. Easy to customize with your favorite fruits!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Peach Sundae
Small bowls of yogurt with a soft peach topping.

Peach Sundae

A 5-minute yogurt peach sundae with juicy peaches, sweet brown sugar, and warm cinnamon.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Baked Bean Medley
A mixture of seasoned beans and bacon is shown in a serving bowl.

Baked Bean Medley

Enjoy this delicious blend of beans and a savory sauce, baked to blend the lightly sweet and salty flavors.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
1 and ½ hours
Makes:
8 Cups
Southern Green Beans
Bowl of green beans with ham and onions.

Southern Green Beans

Fresh and tender green beans and salty ham are the perfect combo in this recipe that is ready in 30 minutes or less.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Cream of Celery Soup
Image of Cream of Celery Soup

Cream of Celery Soup

This one-pot recipe is the perfect meal on a cold day or alongside a salad as a satisfying summer lunch.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Was this page helpful to you?