If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and satisfying dish, this Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies, Cheese, and Ham is the perfect choice. Packed with tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, savory ham, and creamy cheese, this dish is great for potlucks, BBQs, or even meal prep.
I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, customizable, and comes together in minutes. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a complete meal, this pasta salad is always a hit!
Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious, cold pasta salad at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing and satisfying – A perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Great for any occasion – Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and meal prep.
- Customizable – Swap in your favorite veggies, cheese, or protein.
- Make ahead-friendly – Tastes even better after chilling in the fridge!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves: 6-8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes)
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cubed)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, or green)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies, Cheese, and Ham
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ham, cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and black olives.
4. Toss with Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve chilled!
My Best Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad
- Rinse the pasta with cold water – This stops the cooking process and keeps it from sticking.
- Use high-quality cheese and ham – Freshly shredded cheese and thick-cut ham add extra flavor.
- Chill before serving – This helps the flavors blend beautifully.
- Add crunch – Try tossing in sunflower seeds, nuts, or croutons.
What to Serve with Cold Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is delicious on its own, but here are some great pairings:
- Grilled chicken or steak – A protein-packed meal.
- Fresh bread or garlic toast – Perfect for soaking up the dressing.
- A side of fruit – A refreshing contrast.
- Lemonade or iced tea – A light, summery drink pairing.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
This Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies, Cheese, and Ham is easy, refreshing, and full of flavor, making it a perfect dish for meal prep, summer cookouts, or quick lunches. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies, Cheese, and Ham: A Refreshing & Hearty Dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cubed)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced ham, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy!
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