Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
As we inch closer to summer, there’s nothing better than a dish that embodies the freshness and ease of the season—like this ham and cheese macaroni salad. Whether you’re planning a casual family picnic or need a crowd-pleasing side dish for a potluck, this salad is the perfect choice.
Summer is the season of salads, and I absolutely love it! There’s something so satisfying about a cold, creamy salad on a warm day. What makes this salad even better is how convenient it is to prepare ahead of time. You can easily whip it up the night before, allowing you to relax and enjoy your summer evening without spending too much time in the kitchen.
One of the keys to this delicious recipe is giving it enough time to chill in the refrigerator. Four hours is ideal. This isn’t just about getting the salad cold; it’s about allowing the flavors to really meld together.
The mayonnaise-based dressing absorbs into the pasta, the ham releases its savory juices, and the sweet relish and onions blend into the mix, creating a combination of flavors that are simply irresistible. By the time you’re ready to serve it, the salad has transformed into a delicious dish that’s packed with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients to Make Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad
- SWEET RELISH
- MAYONNAISE
- SALT AND BLACK PEPPER
- ONION
- SMALL SHELL PASTA
- CELERY
- HAM
- FROZEN PEAS AND CARROTS
- CHEDDAR CHEESE
How to Make Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad Recipe
This recipe starts with a base of small shell macaroni pasta, which holds onto the dressing and mix-ins beautifully. To begin, cook the macaroni in a large pot according to the package directions until it’s al dente.
Once cooked, rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Then drain it thoroughly. This step is crucial for keeping the pasta from becoming too sticky. It also ensures it’s ready to soak up all the delicious flavors of the salad.
Next, you’ll prepare the dressing, which is the heart of this dish. The dressing is a simple yet flavorful combination of mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, grated white onion, salt, and pepper. The mayonnaise provides a creamy base. The sweet pickle relish adds a touch of tangy sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.
Grating the white onion instead of chopping it finely distributes its flavor evenly throughout the salad without overwhelming it. This straightforward dressing ties all the ingredients together and gives the salad its classic, nostalgic taste that everyone loves.
Time for the Mix-ins
Now it’s time to add the mix-ins that make this salad both hearty and visually appealing. Diced celery adds a satisfying crunch, while chunks of ham bring a savory, meaty flavor. Small cubes of cheddar cheese add richness to every bite. Thawed frozen peas and carrots not only enhance the salad with their bright colors. They also contribute a subtle sweetness and additional texture. These mix-ins create a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making the salad as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Once everything is combined, gently fold the dressing into the pasta and mix-ins, making sure everything is well-coated. The result is a beautifully balanced salad that’s creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet all at once. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish, as the flavors continue to meld together as it chills in the refrigerator. Serve this ham and cheese macaroni salad at your next gathering, or enjoy it as a comforting meal on its own. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cheese works best in this salad?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for its sharp flavor and bright color, but you can also use other cheeses like Swiss, Colby Jack, or Gouda. Just make sure to use a firm cheese that can be easily cubed and won’t melt too much into the salad.
Can I use a different type of noodles?
Absolutely! While small shell macaroni is great for holding the dressing and mix-ins, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, penne or farfalle (bow-tie pasta). Just be sure to cook the pasta according to package instructions and cool it before adding it to the salad.
Can I make this salad healthier?
You can make a lighter version of this salad by using whole wheat pasta and light or reduced-fat mayonnaise. You could also increase the amount of veggies, like adding diced tomato, bell peppers, or red onion.
What if I don’t have sweet pickle relish?
If you don’t have sweet pickle relish, you can substitute it with chopped sweet pickles or bread and butter pickles. For a slightly different flavor, you can also use dill pickle relish, though this will add a tangier taste to the salad.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp sweet relish
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- salt and pepper
- 2 Tbsp white onion grated
- 8 oz pkg small shell pasta cooked and drained
- 2 Tbsp finely diced celery
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
- 8 oz pkg cheddar cheese diced into 1/2 inch cubes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the relish, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and grated onion. Mix until combined.
- Add in the cooked pasta, celery, ham, peas and carrots, and cheddar cheese. Toss until combined. Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving. Stir before serving. Serves 6 as a main dish.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Bubba Pie.
