4.4 from 138 votes
Macaroni Salad with Ham & Cheese
Macaroni Salad with Ham & Cheese combines tender pasta with cubed ham, mild cheddar, and crisp vegetables like celery and bell pepper. A creamy dressing of mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and vinegar gives it a sweet-tangy balance. Peas add a pop of color and texture, while optional parsley brightens the mix. Chill time allows flavors to meld, making this salad a hearty side or light meal addition.
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
12
servings
Calories:
259 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta such as rings, cavatappi, elbow, rotini, etc, small or medium-sized
- 2 cups ham about 3/8" in size, cubed; cooked
- 2 cups cheddar cheese cubed; mild
- 2 cups celery diced
- ⅔ cup green bell pepper diced
- ½ cup red onion diced
- ½ cup sweet pickle relish drained
- 1 cup peas frozen
- 2 cups mayonnaise good quality
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk use less if you want a less-sweet flavor, 14 ounces
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley optional, chopped, fresh
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Transfer pasta to a colander and rinse under cold water until chilled. Drain thoroughly.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the rest of the salad. To a large bowl, add the ham, cheese, celery, green pepper, onion, pickle relish, peas, optional parsley, and a few good cranks of freshly ground black pepper. Add prepared pasta. Fold gently to combine.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, vinegar, and kosher salt. Pour dressing over salad ingredients in large bowl. Fold to incorporate. Chill for a couple hours. Fold again right before serving.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Chill the salad for a few hours before serving to allow flavors to blend well.
- You can adjust the sweetness by using less sweetened condensed milk if preferred.
- Use good-quality mayonnaise for best dressing consistency and flavor.
- Drain pasta well after rinsing to avoid watery salad.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1
Calories
259kcal
(13%)
Carbohydrates
29g
(10%)
Protein
14g
(28%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
(18%)
Cholesterol
38mg
(13%)
Sodium
966mg
(40%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 259
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 259kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 38mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 966mg | 40% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.