Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this vibrant Pasta Salad with Ham and Cheese! Perfect for warm days or as a delightful side dish at your next gathering, this Italian-inspired recipe combines al dente pasta with savory ham, creamy cheese, and fresh veggies, all tossed in zesty Italian dressing. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor. Ready to dive into a culinary adventure that will leave everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup cubed cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 cup of diced ham, 1 cup of cubed cheese, 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, and 1/4 cup of Italian dressing.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the 8 oz of pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the ham into small cubes if not already done, and cut the cheese into cubes. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the green onions.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced ham, cubed cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions.
- Pour the 1/4 cup of Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more dressing or salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be garnished with additional green onions or a sprinkle of Italian herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Pasta Salad with Ham and Cheese!
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta works, consider using rotini or fusilli for better dressing adherence and an appealing look.
- Cool Your Pasta: Rinsing your pasta under cold water after cooking not only stops the cooking process but also helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to customize your salad by adding other ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Chill for Flavor: Letting the salad sit for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to serve when you are!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
